Admiral Sunil Lanba takes over as Navy chief Tuesday May 31,2016

Admiral Sunil Lanba on Tuesday May 31,2016 took over as the new navy chief from Admiral Robin Dhowan whereupon he promptly declared that his combat-ready force would continue to ensure the country's huge maritime interests remained safe and secure from all threats.

"The men and women who man the navy are professionally trained, committed and patriotic. They are committed to ensuring that our national interests are safeguarded anywhere, anytime and everywhere," he said. Lanba (58) will have three years in office as the navy chief. It was Admiral DK Joshi's sudden resignation in February, 2014, owning "moral responsibility" for a string of naval accidents which propelled Lanba into the line of succession for the top job.