Overview On 31 Oct 2025 , Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM , took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Southern Naval Command (SNC) . He succeeds Vice Admiral V Srinivas PVSM, AVSM, NM , who retired after nearly four decades of service in the Indian Navy. Key Appointments and Career Highlights Early Career and Specialization VAdm Sameer Saxena was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1989 . He specializes in Navigation & Direction . He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the Naval War College Newport, USA. Operational Experience Served onboard Indian Naval Ships: Ajay, Sukanya and Akshay as a non-specialist officer. Served on the Direction team onboard the aircraft carrier, INS Viraat . Navigating Officer of Indian Naval Ships Kuthar, Godavari and Delhi . Executive Officer of INS Mumbai . Command Tenures Commanded the Mauritian Coast Guard ship Guardian . Commanded Indian Naval Ships Kulish and Mysore . Served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. Staff and Training Appointments Joint Director of Personnel at Naval Headquarters. Principal Director Foreign Cooperation at Naval Headquarters. Naval Assistant to Chief of the Naval Staff (2011-12). Naval Adviser at the High Commission of India, London (2016-19). Flag Rank Appointments Promoted to Rear Admiral on 05 Feb 2020 , served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans). Commanded the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy from Dec 2021 to Nov 2022 . Took over as the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area in Nov 2022 . Promoted to Vice Admiral on 01 Aug 23 , assumed responsibilities as Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command. Awards and Recognition Awarded the Nausena Medal in 2017 . Awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 . Commended by the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Commissioner of Police of Mauritius for acts of gallantry at sea. UPSC Relevance This information is relevant to GS3 (Security) , specifically concerning the structure and leadership of the Indian Navy. It also touches upon GS2 (Government Policies and Interventions) regarding appointments to important positions. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of key officers like the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief is crucial for aspirants. Key Takeaways for UPSC The appointment highlights the importance of the Southern Naval Command in India's maritime strategy. The career progression of Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena showcases the diverse roles and responsibilities within the Indian Navy. The awards and commendations reflect the officer's contributions to naval operations and national security.