Mumbai, April 30 Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin on Thursday took over as the flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Western Naval Command from Vice Admiral J.S. Bedi.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Bhasin was commissioned into the executive branch of Indian Navy in January 1972.

A specialist in navigation and aircraft direction, Bhasin holds the distinction of commissioning two warships as their commanding officer – the guided missile corvette INS Khukri and the guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai. He has also commanded the guided missile destroyer INS Ranjit.

In the rank of rear admiral, Bhasin has served as the chief of staff of the Western Naval Command and also commanded the Eastern Fleet.

After being promoted to vice admiral, he was appointed deputy chief the Integrated Defence Staff and also headed the National Defence College.

A recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vishist Seva Medal, Bhasin is a graduate of the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai and the US Naval War College.