Rear Admiral AB Singh, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet has handed over the command of Eastern Fleet to Rear Admiral SV Bhokare, YSM, NM. The change of guard took place at an impressive ceremony held today, 06 October 15 in Naval Base, Visakhapatnam. Rear Admiral SV 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 also 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. For his distinguished service, the Admiral has been awarded the Yudh Seva Medal and the Nao Sena Medal.
A submariner by profession, Rear Admiral Bhokare has commanded submarines Sindhughosh, Sindhudhwaj, Sindhushastra, Indian Naval Ship Beas and INS Vajrabahu. He has also held various prestigious 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 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 AB Singh now moves to Delhi to assume duties at HQ Strategic Forces Command.