Rear Admiral Philipose George Pynumootil, a native of Thiruvalla, has taken over as Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA). An alumnus of Lawrence School, Lovedale, and the National Defence Academy (67th course), he was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1986. He is the son of late Air Marshal P.S. George and brother of late Lieutenant Simon George Pynumootil.
A helicopter pilot, Rear Adm Philipose has commanded INAS 330, the carrier borne Sea King Squadron, and was the commissioning Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station, INS Shikra. He commanded the Corvette, INS Nashak, the Missile Corvette INS Kirpan, and the Guided Missile Frigate INS Brahmaputra, besides being the Executive Officer of the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Delhi. The officer was awarded the Nao Sena Medal for his tenure in command of INS Brahmaputra.
He has undergone the Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College and the Higher Air Command Course at the College of Air Warfare. He is a postgraduate in Defence and Strategic Studies and also holds an M Phil (Political Studies). He is an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies, London, and attained an MA in International Security and Strategy from Kings College, London.
Rear Adm Philipose was also Principal Director, Aircraft Acquisition.
