Article Posted on : - Oct 07, 2015

A file photo.

VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): Rear Admiral S V Bhokare on Tuesday took over as Eastern Fleet Commander in a ceremony held at Naval Base here.

Bhokare was handed over the command by Rear Admiral A B Singh, Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet, an official release said.

Bhokare is a specialist in Navigation and Aircraft Direction and a graduate of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

He has undergone Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow. In addition, the Flag Officer holds a Masters degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Australian Defence College, Canberra.

The Admiral has been awarded the Yudh Seva Medal and the Nao Sena Medal.

A submariner, Bhokare has commanded submarines Sindhughosh, Sindhudhwaj, Sindhushastra, Indian Naval Ship Beas and INS Vajrabahu.

He has also held various staff and operational appointments, including Command of Submarine Squadron as Commodore Commanding Submarines (West) and Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Eastern Naval Command.

Prior taking over the Command of Eastern Fleet, he was serving as Flag Officer Submarines.

The Eastern Fleet today comprises 30 warships, which include destroyers, stealth frigates, amphibious ships, anti- submarine warfare corvette, missile corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, missile boats and tankers.

Rear Admiral A B Singh will now move to Delhi to assume duties at HQ Strategic Forces Command, it added.