Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, AVSM, VSM, took over charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command from Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, on January 30, 2016. An impressive ceremonial parade was held at the naval base on the occasion which was followed by the traditional ‘Pulling Out’ ceremony in which the outgoing Commander-in-Chief, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba was ceremonially pulled out in a jeep by Flag Officers and Commanding Officers of ships and naval establishments of Kochi, amidst emotional ‘Jai-Jai’ by the men of Southern Naval Command.

Earlier in the day, Vice Admiral Luthra laid wreath at the War Memorial, prior to assuming command, as a tribute to the thousands of martyrs who had fought for the country. The Flag Officer, a native of Haryana, had arrived in Kochi on January 29, 2016.

In his farewell address Vice Admiral Lanba reminded everyone particularly the personnel under training that it was incumbent upon them to utilise the top class training being accorded to them towards becoming excellent professionals in the service of the country. The parade was witnessed by many senior officers, men and families of Southern Naval Command.