Vice-Admiral Surinder Pal Singh Cheema has assumed office as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.
He took over the command and reviewed a ceremonial parade held at naval air station INS Garuda on Thursday. Earlier in the day, he laid wreath at the War Memorial.
Vice-Admiral Cheema was commissioned into the Navy in January 1977. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla; the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; and the College of Naval Warfare (CNW), Mumbai.
A specialist in missile and gunnery, he has the distinction of commanding five frontline warships, missile boat INS Nishank, Mauritian Coast Guard OPV Vigilant, missile corvette INS Khanjar, stealth frigate INS Trishul and aircraft carrier INS Viraat.
His shore appointments include posting as commandant of the Naval Academy and as commanding officer of INS Mandovi. He won medals while undergoing a course at the DSSC. On promotion to Flag Rank in May 2006, he was appointed Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Information Warfare and Operations (IW & Ops) at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy).
His other flag appointments include posting as Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command and Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.
