KOCHI: Vice Admiral Sunil K Damle, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, will retire from the Naval Service on August 31 after serving the force for nearly 39 years.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 19, 1970, he joined the fighter stream in the Fleet Air Arm (Naval Aviation) after undergoing training with the Indian Air Force.
The Admiral, after his stint in various aircraft, became a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and was selected to induct the legendary Sea Harrier aircraft into the Navy. For this, he was deputed to the UK. His aviation career includes Command of the frontline carrier borne fighter squadron INAS 300 (White Tigers) and Commanding Officer, INS Hansa the Naval Air Station in Goa.
The aviator Admiral has also proved his mettle in sea. Admiral Damle has been the executive officer of missile frigate INS Talwar and the commanding officer of missile corvette INS Hosdurg and multi-purpose missile frigate INS Gomati.
However, the crowning glory was when the Flag Officer assumed the Command of aircraft carrier INS Viraat on whose deck the Admiral as an ace pilot, carried out several landings.
On being elevated to the Flag rank, the Admiral shouldered several coveted responsibilities, including the Command of the Eastern Fleet of the Navy. It was during his tenure that the Eastern Fleet earned laurels for its rapid response to tsunami.
Admiral Damle assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command on July 28, 2007. He will be succeeded by Vice Admiral K N Sushil who would assume charge as the Commander- in-Chief of Southern Naval Command on August 31.