Raj Dutta

BIDDING ADIEU TO A GENTLEMAN CINC

Among the various noble traditions of NFMC, one that NFMC proudly ceremonizes is a farewell Lunch to the outgoing CinC and Patron of NFMC.

29 May 2026 was the date firmed up by Cdr Vijay Vadhera, NM(G), President NFMC in consultation with VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, FOCINC West, who had been its Patron since 31 Jul 2025, for the ceremonious occasion prior to taking over as CNS on 31 May 2026. The Admiral has been a very popular and approachable Gentleman CinC; thats evident from the fact that his friends and senior Veterans from out-station often called him up for 'IMSC room booking' 😄. He was the first CinC to have broadcast a spirited message for Veterans on Veterans Day 14 Jan this year that was promulgated by NFMC (Video below). A farewell lunch in grand style in the Sea Lounge of IMSC was planned for our Gentleman CinC and CNS Designate. Cdr Vadhera had invited CinC’s senior staff Officers with their good ladies too.

The 14 NFMC managing committee members spread around the Suburbs of Mumbai, converged to IMSC at 1100 hrs along with their lovely ladies. The Core members Cdr Vadhera, and Farokh with their good ladies, Sunita & Anahita received COS, VAdm Gokhale, FOCWF, RAdm Dahiya, FOMA, RAdm Shantanu Jha, CSO(P&A), Adm Sandeep Verma and CO Angre, Cmde Prashant Shekharan with their good ladies before arrival of our CinC Vadm K Swaminathan at 1230 hrs, to be warmly welcomed by all present. It was unfortunate that CinCs good Lady Laila Swaminathan could not join us. The stewards served everyone with the assorted welcome drink of choice. Gurinder gracefully captured the memories in her Camera. At this point in time it would be prudent for the reader to glance at the enviable profile that our CinC and NFMC Patron is blessed with.

VADM KRISHNA SWAMINATHAN, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (CNS DESIG)

The Government has appointed Vice Admiral Krishna Saminathan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM as the Chief of the Naval Staff. The present Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM will be retiring from service on May 31, 2026.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the 34th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command on July 31, 25. The Flag Officer was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 01, 87 and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, United Kingdom; the College of Naval Warfare, Karanja; and the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode lsland.

A recipient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, the Admiral has held several key operational, staff and training appointments in his naval career including the Command of missile vessels INS Vidyut and Vinash; the missile corvette INS Kulish; the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, Kochi and played a key role in the conduct of training across the Indian Navy. He was also instrumental in raising the Indian Naval Safety Team that oversees operational safety across all verticals of the Navy. He then went on to head the Work Up Organisation of the Navy as the Flag Officer Sea Training after which he was privileged to be appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet. After commanding the Sword Arm, he was appointed as the Flag Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group and Advisor, Offshore Security and Defence to the Government of India.

On promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral, the Flag Officer was Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, Controller of Personnel Services and Chief of Personnel at NHQ. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan's educational qualifications include a BSc degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; MSc in Telecommunications from Cochin University of Science and Technology. Kochi; MA in Defence Studies from King's College, London; MPhil in Strategic Studies from Mumbai University: and PhD in International Studies from Mumbai University.

RECEPTION SEA-LOUNGE IMSC

The meet and greet session continued for an hour with drinks of choice and assorted small eats, before Cdr Vadhera took to stage, warmly welcomed our CinC, spelt out the significance of this special occasion and presented the elegant Golden Sail Boat to our future CNS. Mrs Sunita Vadhera presented the CinC a smart Shawl (for his good Lady Laila) that he proudly draped. Cdr Vadhera in his heart-warming address elaborated on his association with CinC as a fellow Cheetah, who as COS earlier had thrashed the Veterans Team in T-15 cricket match in successive years, but that made NFMC Veterans more determined and stronger to beat NFPC cricket team in the Jay-Vijay Trophy on 08 Feb this year hands down. After Farokh then invited CinC for his address. The CinC briefed on activities of WNC and lauded the NFMC for the noble task being performed by the foundation as also the various Veterans Day activities undertaken. He assured that as CNS he’d endeavour for the PAN India Veterans Day Parade, if not at-least in all Naval Stations. (The Address by President NFMC and CinC in the Videos attached below)

The Soup was served after which the assemblage moved in for a sit down ceremonial Lunch. Seven silver-ware decored tables with a seating plan awaited the guests. White/Red Wine was offered along with assorted mix of Continental and Indian being served by smart stewards in sparkling whites. The cuisine was indeed delectable and topped up with mouth-watering desserts of Mini Apple Pie, Gulab Jamun & Kesari Boondi Cheese cake, Fresh Alphonso with Cream and Badshahi Kulfi Falooda; a real Royale Treat. It was a pleasure for our Committee members and their good Ladies to interact with Admirals and their charming ladies during the Lunch.

Later everyone cheerfully bid farewell to VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, and conveyed their best wishes for a successful, prestigious and coveted appointment as CNS.

N.B.- Kudos to Farokh and Anahita to have organised the gtg and finalised the sumptuous Menu.

Sam No Varunah

Jai Hind

PHOTOS