Admiral Hari Kumar takes charge as new Navy chief, takes blessings from mother

• Admiral R Hari Kumar took charge as the new chief of the Indian Navy on Tuesday. Admiral Kumar took charge after incumbent Admiral Karambir Singh retired from service. Admiral Kumar was serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command. Admiral Kumar was commissioned into the executive branch of the Indian Navy on January 1, 1983. Born on April 12, 1962, the Admiral has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. His sea command includes INS Nishank, missile corvette INS Kora and guided-missile Destroyer INS Ranvir. Admiral Kumar also commanded the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Viraat. The Admiral also served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Admiral Kumar has undergone courses at Naval War College, US and Army War College, Mhow. He has been decorated with the Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Vishist Seva Medal.