Chief Of Material of The Indian Navy

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy: Google

Chief Of Material of the Indian Navy

 

On January 1st, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh assumed duties as the Chief of Material of the Indian Navy. He took over from Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, who retired following 39 years of praiseworthy service spearheading the Navy’s maintenance efforts.

Key Background Points

Vice Admiral Deshmukh graduated as an Engineer Officer from Mumbai’s VJTI university in 1986. He holds a Master’s in Engineering and is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College.

The Admiral has served in various technical and staff roles involving ships, dockyards, headquarters and trial commands during his extensive naval journey.

Significant Contributions

As the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition earlier, Vice Admiral Deshmukh oversaw critical milestones like the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier and light combat aircraft’s maiden launch from it. He was also instrumental in the construction and induction of several frontline battleships and submarines.

Accolades

The naval engineer has been decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for navigating the Navy towards self-reliance through his outstanding leadership.

 

More About Him:

Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, AVSM, VSM has assumed charge as the Chief of Materiel on 01 Jan 24. An alumnus of VJTI, University of Mumbai, VAdm Deshmukh was commissioned as an Engineer Officer into the Indian Navy on 31 March 86. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and is a post graduate from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. The Flag Officer has held various important appointments in the Staff, Personnel and Materiel Branch at Naval Headquarters, trial agencies, Material Organisation, Naval Dockyard and Command staff at HQENC. He has also served onboard frontline ships of Rajput Class, Delhi Class and Teg Class in various capacities.

 

As a Flag Officer he has served as Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyards & Refits) at Naval Headquarters, Chief Staff Officer (Tech)/HQENC, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam, Director General Naval Projects at Visakhapatnam and as Controller Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A) at Naval Headquarters. It was during his tenure as CWP&A that the first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-I) was Commissioned and achieved the historic trap of the first LCA on board indigenous aircraft carrier. In addition, his tenure also marked the keel laying, launch and Commissioning of a number of frontline warships and submarines. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Admiral has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

 

VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, takes over as COM from VAdm Sandeep Naithani, AVSM, VSM who hands over the baton on completion of 39 Years of glorious service. Well known as distinguished and a thorough professional Flag Officer of the Indian Navy. VAdm Naithani had displayed a fine combination of professional excellence and leadership to steer the Navy technically towards being future ready and emerge as a steadfast and professional support arm, ensuring that Indian Naval platforms are combat worthy and capable of undertaking full spectrum of operations.

 

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur