Admiral Nirmal Verma, CNS on Farewell Visit to Kochi

Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff arrived here yesterday on an official visit. This is the Admiral’s farewell visit to Kochi as he is retiring from the Indian Navy after 41 years of distinguished service. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1970, Admiral Nirmal Verma assumed office as the Chief of Naval Staff on 31st August 2009.  

 

Admiral Nirmal Verma being received by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, FOC-in-C (South)

 

Admiral Nirmal Verma’s tenure as the Navy Chief has been marked by a phase of consolidation and growth for  the Navy. This period also saw the Indian Navy coming in for approbation from the international community for its resolute anti piracy actions. A record number of 15 ships have been commissioned into the Navy over the past three years, which include three Shivalik class stealth frigates, two fleet tankers, INS Teg, INS Sudarshini, and eight water-jet Fast Attack Crafts. Nuclear attack submarine INS Chakra was also commissioned in his watch as the Navy Chief. 46 ships are in various stages of construction while acceptance of necessity for 49 more ships have been obtained. The modernisation process of the Navy got a fillip under his watch with 100% utilisation of capital budget in the last three years. The Navy also maintained a healthy capital to revenue budget ratio of 68:32. A stirring welfare initiative of the outgoing Navy Chief was the conception and implementation of the Naval Regimental System wherein the service institutionalised care and concern for Naval veterans, and their families especially widows.   

 

The Admiral’s itinerary at Kochi includes farewell addresses to Officers and men of Southern Naval Command as well as a reception in his honour. The Admiral will also visit his Alma Mater and also be briefed on the various activities of the Command. Admiral Nirmal Verma will leave for New Delhi tomorrow.