New Delhi: Admiral R Hari Kumar November 30 took over as the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff succeeding Admiral Karambir Singh, who retires on superannuation, after an illustrious career, spanning over 41 years in the Indian Navy.

Admiral Hari Kumar was previously the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) Western Naval Command. He was the head of the overseas committee of INS Vikramaditya and the first flag officer to be appointed as commandant of naval war college at Goa.

He has played important role in housing infrastructure for officers and sailors at Mumbai.

Born on April 12, 1962, Admiral R Hari Kumar graduated from J-squadron, 61 Course National Defence Academy in December 1981. He was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Navy on January 1, 1983. During a career spanning nearly 39 years, he has served in a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments.

Admiral Kumar’s Sea Command includes Coast Guard Ship C-01, INS Nishank, Missile Corvette, INS Kora and Guided Missile Destroyer INS Ranvir. He also commanded aircraft carrier INS Viraat. He also served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet.

Admiral R Hari Kumar has undergone courses at the Naval War College in the US, Army War College in Madhya Pradesh and Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.

Admiral R. Hari Kumar has been conferred the Param Vishist Seva Medal, the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, and Vishist Seva Medal.