New Delhi, December 29
Admiral Madhvendra Singh today took over as the new Chief of Naval Staff from Admiral Sushil Kumar, who retired today after completing a successful three-year tenure.

India’s western naval fleet commander during the 1999 Kargil conflict, Admiral Madhvendra Singh will also have an almost three-year tenure before his retirement.

Admiral Sushil Kumar addressed a ceremonial parade here held to bid farewell to the outgoing chief and to welcome Admiral Madhvendra Singh.

Both Admiral Sushil Kumar and Admiral Madhvendra Singh laid wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate and were given a guard of honour at South Block, housing the Defence Ministry.

A much decorated officer, Admiral Madhvendra Singh has commanded missile frigate “Talwar”, missile destroyer “Ranvir”, aircraft carrier “Viraat” and the Naval Academy at Kochi.

Admiral Madhvendra Singh, son of the late Major-Gen K. Bhagwati Singh, joined the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla in 1958. His father was the first gentleman cadet to pass out of the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun.