New head for the Cochin based Southern Naval Command

Vice Admiral V Srinivas, took over as the 30th flag officer commanding-in-chief (FOCINC), Southern Naval Command at an impressive ceremonial parade held at Naval Base, Kochi on December 31st. He succeeded Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, who retired upon superannuation after an illustrious career spanning close to four decades in the Indian Navy.

Floral wreaths were placed at the Venduruthy War memorial by both the flag officers in a solemn ceremony to pay homage to all personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation.

Vice Admiral V Srinivas is an alumnus of the national defense academy and was commissioned in the Indian Navy on July 01, 1987. An Anti-submarine warfare specialist, he served onboard frontline submarines INS Shalki, INS Shishumar and INS Shankul (during Op Vijay).

In his career spanning 36 years, he has commanded INS Shankul, on two occasions, destroyer INS Ranvir and the nuclear submarine INS Chakra. He holds the distinction of being one of the only two officers ever in the Indian Navy to have commanded a frontline warship as well as an SSN.

His staff assignments have been equally coveted which include commander submarines at COMCOS (W), chief staff officer to flag officer submarines, principal director ship systems and development (PDSSD) and commanding officer of submarine training establishment, INS Satavahana.