Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar Assumes Command as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) during an impressive Ceremonial Parade held at the Naval Base today.
Vice Admiral Pendharkar commenced his command by inspecting the Ceremonial Guard and reviewing platoons of naval and DSC personnel, representing various ships and establishments of the Eastern Naval Command. The ceremony was graced by all Flag Officers and Commanding Officers of ships, submarines, and establishments.
Having been commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 1987, Vice Admiral Pendharkar is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a graduate of prestigious institutions including the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Naval War College in Karanja, and Naval Command College in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. He holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies.
Vice Admiral Pendharkar is an accomplished Anti-Submarine Warfare specialist, and his distinguished career of over 36 years includes various Operational, Staff, and Command Appointments. He has commanded three frontline ships, namely the Missile Corvette INS Kora, Stealth Frigate INS Shivalik, and the Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat. In addition, he has held significant staff appointments, including Joint Directors in the Directorate of Staff Requirements and Directorate of Personnel, Principal Directors in the Directorate of Net-Centric Operations, and Directorate of Personnel.
Prior to assuming the command of ENC, Vice Admiral Pendharkar served as the Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff at HQ IDS, New Delhi, and as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters, Western Naval Command. He also held the appointment of Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area and Flag Officer Sea Training. Before his current assignment, he dutifully served as the Director General of Naval Operations at IHQMoD(Navy) and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff(Operations) at New Delhi.
Vice Admiral Pendharkar’s exceptional service has earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, recognizing his distinguished contributions to the Indian Navy.
As he takes command of the Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar will continue to lead and strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities in the region, further enhancing the readiness and effectiveness of the Eastern Fleet.