Rear Admiral CR Praveen Nair Assumes Command as Fleet Commander of Indian Navy’s ‘Sword Arm’

The Western Fleet, known as the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, witnessed a change in leadership as Rear Admiral CR Praveen Nair, NM, assumed the role of Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. The ceremonial naval parade at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, marked the handover from Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Rear Admiral Nair is a distinguished alumnus of the Naval Academy, Goa, Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the US Naval War College in Newport, USA. Having served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans) at Naval Headquarters, his expertise extends to Communication and Electronic Warfare, with notable roles on various naval ships.

Rear Admiral Nair’s extensive naval career includes commanding INS Kirch, INS Vikramaditya (aircraft carrier), and commissioning the guided missile destroyer INS Chennai. His rich experience spans fleet communication and electronic warfare, fleet operations, and naval training, where he served as Directing Staff at Naval War College, Goa, and Officer-in-Charge of Signal School, Kochi. The appointment underscores Rear Admiral Nair’s leadership in steering the ‘Sword Arm’ towards continued excellence.