Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM, Assumes Charge as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM has assumed charge as Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff today 31 Oct 15. He relieved Vice Admiral RK Pattanaik, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, who retires today after 38 years of glorious service in the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, AVSM is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in Jul 1980, the Admiral earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1982 and has flown extensively on the Chetak, Kamov 25 and Kamov 28 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters. He is a graduate of DSSC, Wellington; College of Naval Warfare, Karanja and has the distinction of serving as Directing Staff in both these Institutions. In his career spanning over 35 years, the Admiral has commanded Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi, Missile Vessel Vijaydurg as well as Guided Missile Destroyers Rana and Delhi. He has also had the privilege of being the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Ashore, the Admiral has served as Joint Director Naval Air Staff, Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge Naval Air Station, Kunjali and as a member of the Aircrew Instrument Rating and Categorisation Team (AIRCATS). On promotion to flag rank, the Admiral was appointed as Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. His other important flag appointments include Chief of Staff of the Unified Command at Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Flag Officer Maharashtra and Gujarat Area (FOMAG). In the rank of Vice Admiral, he has been the Director General Project Seabird. The Admiral has been commended by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief and is a recipient of the prestigious Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) awarded by the Hon'ble President of India. The Admiral is an enthusiastic golfer and also enjoys cycling, running and swimming. He is also the 'Grey Eagle' of the Indian Navy (Senior most Serving Naval Aviator) DKS/CKP
