Vice-Admiral AR Karve on Sunday took charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) from Vice Admiral Girish Luthra.
An impressive ceremonial parade was held at the Naval base on the occasion which was followed by the traditional 'Pulling Out' ceremony in which the outgoing Commander-in-Chief, Luthra was ceremonially pulled out in a jeep by Flag Officers and Commanding Officers of ships and naval establishments of Kochi, amidst emotional 'Jai'- 'Jai' by the men of SNC.
Earlier in the day, Vice Admiral Karve laid wreath at the War Memorial, prior to assuming command, as a tribute to the thousands of martyrs who had fought for the country, Navy said in a statement.
The Flag Officer, a native of Maharashtra, had arrived in Kochi on Saturday. In his farewell address Vice Admiral Luthra appreciated the synergy that exists in the Southern Naval Command and said without it operations and training cannot be successful. He thanked the men and women of the SNC for the unstinted support he received during his tenure.
The Parade was witnessed by many senior officers, men and families of SNC. Vice Admiral Girish Luthra has been appointed Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command.
