Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command

Last updated

Commander-in-Chief,
Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN)
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM, Commander-In-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command.jpg
since 1 May 2023
AbbreviationCINCAN
Reports to Chief of the Defence Staff
Seat Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Appointer Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Precursor Fortress Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (FORTAN)
Formation2001
First holder Vice Admiral Arun Prakash
AVSM VrC VSM ADC
Deputy Chief of Staff
Website Official Website

Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) is the head of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the first and only Tri-service theater command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India.

Contents

The current CINCAN is Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM who took command on 1 May 2023 as the 17th CINCAN.

History

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands became a Union territory of India in 1956. The first military unit on the islands was the naval base INS Jarawa which was commissioned in 1964. [1] The base was commanded by a Resident Naval Officer (RNO). With the establishment of subsequent garrisons in the islands, the post was upgraded to Naval Officer-in-charge Andaman & Nicobar (NOIC A&N). [2] The naval establishments were under the command of the Eastern Naval Command during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In October 1976, the operational control of all forces in the islands was given and the post was upgraded to Commodore, Andaman & Nicobar (COMAN). Shortly afterward, to signify jointness, all establishments came under the newly created Fortress Andaman & Nicobar. The appointment was re-designated to Fortress Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (FORTAN). In 1978, INS Kardip was commissioned as a Forward operating base.

Structure of the Andaman and Nicobar Command Andaman and Nicobar Command structure.png
Structure of the Andaman and Nicobar Command

In March 1981, FORTAN was upgraded to a Two star appointment tenanted by a Rear Admiral. [3] In 1987, the post was further upgraded to a three star appointment. In 1998, a 'Far East Naval Command' (FENC) was proposed, to be commanded by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Far East Naval Command. [4]

With the operationalisation of the A & N Command as a unified theatre command in October 2001, Vice Admiral Arun Prakash, AVSM, VrC, VSM, ADC took over as the First Commander-in-Chief of the unified command. [5]

Organisation

The CINCAN is a Three-star rank officer from the three Services in rotation. The CINCAN reports directly to the Chief of Defence Staff (India) (CDS) in New Delhi. He is assisted by the Chief of Staff of the command, a two-star officer and the commanders of each component (sea, land, air) - one-star officers. [6]

List of Commanders

The following is a list of Commanders-in-Chief of the A&N command. [7]

NoNameBranchAppointment DateLeft OfficeReferences
1 Vice Admiral Arun Prakash AVSM , VrC , VSM Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy 8 October 200130 December 2002 [8] [9] [10] [11]
2 Vice Admiral O. P. Bansal AVSM 15 January 200330 September 2003 [12] [13]
3 Lieutenant General Bhupender Singh Thakur AVSM Flag of Indian Army.svg  Indian Army 1 October 200313 January 2005 [14] [15]
4 Lieutenant General Aditya Singh AVSM & bar 14 January 200527 February 2006 [16] [17]
5 Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh PVSM , AVSM , NM Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy 28 February 200625 October 2006 [18] [19]
6 Air Marshal Packiam Paul Rajkumar AVSM Air Force Ensign of India.svg  Indian Air Force 2 December 200631 December 2007 [20] [21] [22]
7 Air Marshal Sadasivan Radhakrishnan AVSM 1 January 200830 September 2008 [23] [24]
8 Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar AVSM Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy 30 September 200830 September 2009 [25]
9 Vice Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi AVSM , YSM , NM , VSM 30 September 200928 December 2010 [26]
10 Lieutenant General N C Marwah AVSM Flag of Indian Army.svg  Indian Army 1 January 201131 October 2012 [27] [28]
11 Air Marshal Pramon Kumar Roy AVSM , VM , VSM Air Force Ensign of India.svg  Indian Air Force 2 November 201230 June 2014 [29]
12 Vice Admiral Pradeep Kumar Chatterjee AVSM , NM Naval Ensign of India.svg  Indian Navy 1 July 201428 February 2016 [30]
13 Vice Admiral Bimal Verma AVSM 29 February 20161 December 2019 [31]
14 Lieutenant General Podali Shankar Rajeshwar PVSM , AVSM , VSM Flag of Indian Army.svg  Indian Army 1 December 201931 May 2020 [32] [33]
15 Lieutenant General Manoj Pande AVSM , VSM 1 June 202031 May 2021 [34]
16 Lieutenant General Ajai Singh PVSM , AVSM 1 June 202130 April 2023 [35]
17 Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM , VM Air Force Ensign of India.svg  Indian Air Force 1 May 2023Incumbent [36]

List of CINCAN by branches of service

Army - 6
Navy - 7
Air Force - 4

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vice Chief of the Air Staff (India)</span> Deputy to the Chief of the Air Staff of India

The Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) is the deputy to the Chief of the Air Staff of India and second-highest ranking officer of the Indian Air Force. The VCAS is a PSO at Air Headquarters at New Delhi. In the event that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCAS assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CAS. The VCAS is normally held by an officer of three star rank and is held by an air officer of the rank of Air Marshal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arun Prakash</span> Former Chief of the Indian Navy

Admiral Arun Prakash, PVSM, AVSM, VrC, VSM is a former Flag Officer of the Indian Navy. He served as the Chief of the Naval Staff from 31 July 2004 to 31 October 2006 and as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee from 31 January 2005 to 31 October 2006. He is one of India's most decorated naval officers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andaman and Nicobar Command</span> Tri-services command of the Indian Armed Forces

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is a integrated tri-services command of the Indian Armed Forces, based at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India. It was created in 2001 to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca by increasing rapid deployment of military assets in the region. It provides logistical and administrative support to naval ships which are sent on deployment to East Asia and the Pacific Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Naval Command</span> Indian navy command

The Western Naval Command is one of the three command–level formations of the Indian Navy. It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. As the senior–most of the three formations, the command is responsible for the all naval forces in the Arabian Sea and western parts of the Indian Ocean and the naval establishments on the west coast of India.

Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar, PVSM, AVSM is a retired Indian Navy Admiral who served as the CINCAN and as the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Armed Forces. His earlier served as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF). He also served as the Commanding Officer of INS Viraat (R22), INS Ganga (F22), INS Himgiri (F34) and INS Panaji (1960).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern Naval Command</span> Military unit

The Eastern Naval Command is one of the three command-level formations of the Indian Navy. It is headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The command is responsible for the all naval forces in the Bay of Bengal and parts of the Indian Ocean and the naval establishments on the east coast of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Naval Command</span> Indian Navy command

The Southern Naval Command is one of the three, command-level formations of the Indian Navy. Southern Naval Command is the largest naval command in India and it has its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala at INS Venduruthy. It is the Training Command of the Indian Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunil Lanba</span> Former chief of the Indian Navy

Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, PJG, ADC is a retired Indian naval officer who served as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. He assumed the office on 31 May 2016 after Admiral Robin K. Dhowan and demitted office three years later on 31 May 2019. During this time, he also served as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the President of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karambir Singh</span> Retired Indian navy admiral

AdmiralKarambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, is a former flag officer of Indian Navy, who served as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The "Grey Eagle" of the Navy, he replaced Admiral Sunil Lanba as the CNS after his retirement on 31 May 2019. Prior to his ascension, Admiral Singh served as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bimal Verma</span>

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, ADC is a retired Flag Officer in the Indian Navy. He served as the 13th Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command from 29 February 2016 to 1 December 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (India)</span> Indian military office

The Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) is a statutory position in the Indian Armed Forces, that is usually held by a three star vice admiral. The Vice Chief is the deputy of the Chief of the Naval Staff and is usually the second highest ranking officer of the Indian Navy. The current VCNS is Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan who took over from Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on 1 May 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suraj Berry</span> Officer in the Indian Navy

Vice Admiral Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM is a serving Flag officer in the Indian Navy. He currently serves as the Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command. He previously served as the Chief of Personnel, as the Controller of Personnel Services and as Chief of Staff of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. He has also commanded the Eastern Fleet and was the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commandant of Indian Naval Academy</span> Head of the Indian Naval Academy

The Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy is the head and in-charge of all the functioning of the Indian Naval Academy. The commandant of the academy is a three-star rank officer holding the rank of vice admiral. He is supported by the deputy commandant, a two-star appointment and the heads of the Academic Wing, Training Wing and the Admin wing. The current Commandant is Vice Admiral C. R. Praveen Nair who took over in January 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet</span>

Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) is the title of the Indian Navy Officer who commands the Western Fleet, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The FOCWF is a two star admiral holding the rank of Rear Admiral. The appointment is considered to be an important and a coveted one. The Current FOCWF is Rear Admiral Rahul Vilas Gokhale, who assumed office on 23 August 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet</span> Indian Naval appointment

Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF) is the title of the Indian Navy Officer who commands the Eastern Fleet, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The FOCEF is a Two Star Officer holding the rank of Rear Admiral. The Current FOCEF is Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, who assumed office on 21 August 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (India)</span>

The Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS) is a senior appointment in the Indian Navy. The DCNS is a PSO at Naval Headquarters in New Delhi. The office is held by a Three star officer in the rank of Vice Admiral. The current DCNS is Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti who took over Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru on 1 October 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manoj Pande</span> 29th Chief of the Army Staff (India)

General Manoj Pande, is a retired four star general officer of the Indian Army. He last served as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff. He previously served as 43rd Vice Chief of the Army Staff, prior to that he was General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command and also as the Commander-in-Chief (CINCAN) of Andaman and Nicobar Command. He also served as General Officer Commanding IV Corps, before assuming the appointment as commander of Gajraj Corps he was serving as the Chief of Staff, Southern Command. He is the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to become the Army Chief.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saju Balakrishnan</span> Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, India

Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM is an officer of the Indian Air Force. He is currently serving as the 17th Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). He assumed the office on 1 May 2023 succeeding Lieutenant General Ajai Singh.

References

  1. ↑ Vice Admiral Gulab Mohanlal Hiranandani. "Chapter 20 - Maintenance, Repair And Refit Facilities". Transition to Triumph. Indian Navy. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  2. ↑ Singh 2018, p. 299.
  3. ↑ "h5". www.sainiksamachar.nic.in.
  4. ↑ Singh 2018, p. 300.
  5. ↑ "ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COMMAND BEING OPERATIONALISED" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "Press Information Bureau". Pib.and.nic.in. Archived from the original on 21 April 2011. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
  7. ↑ Mukherjee & Mohan 2015.
  8. ↑ "VICE ADMIRAL ARUN PRAKASH TAKES OVER THE FIRST UNIFIED COMMAND" (PDF). pibarchive.nic.in.
  9. ↑ "Arun Prakash to be new naval chief – Rediff.com India News". www.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  10. ↑ "Tri-service integrated command in place". The Hindu . 30 September 2001. Archived from the original on 28 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  11. ↑ "Vice Admiral Arun Prakash,PVSM,AVSM,VrC,VSM,ADC will be the new Naval Chief". pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  12. ↑ "Air Marshal Asthana to head Strategic Forces Command – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  13. ↑ "NCC camp in Port Blair". The Hindu . 2 March 2003. Retrieved 27 December 2017.[ dead link ]
  14. ↑ "English Releases". Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  15. ↑ "Lt Gen B S Thakur chief of tri-service command". www.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 25 June 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  16. ↑ Darpan, Pratiyogita (March 2005). Competition Science Vision. Pratiyogita Darpan.
  17. ↑ "Lt Gen Aditya Singh takes over charge of Southern Command". Zee News. 1 March 2006. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  18. ↑ "New Flag Appointments in the Navy". pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  19. ↑ "Vice Admiral A K Singh new Eastern Naval Command chief". Zee News. 26 October 2006. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  20. ↑ "Service Record for Air Marshal Packiam Paul Rajkumar 12018 F(P) at Bharat Rakshak.com". Bharat Rakshak. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Air Marshal Rajkumar to head Tri-Service Command". Zee News. 2 December 2006. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  22. ↑ "English Releases" . Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  23. ↑ "Air Marshal S Radhakrishnan takes charge as CINCAN". OneIndia. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  24. ↑ "Air Marshal Radhakrishan hands over reigns of ANC". OneIndia. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  25. ↑ "Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar to take over as C-in-C of Andaman and Nicobar". OneIndia. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  26. ↑ "D.K. Joshi, next Navy chief". The Hindu. 6 June 2012. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  27. ↑ "Andaman And Nicobar Command, Pursuing Perfection Through Jointness". www.andamanchronicle.net. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  28. ↑ "Lt Gen NC Marwah relinquishes command of ANC". Zee News. 1 November 2012. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  29. ↑ Giles, Denis. "CINCAN Air Marshal PK Roy Bids Adieu". www.andamanchronicle.net. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  30. ↑ "Vice Admiral PK Chatterjee is the Commander in Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command". SP's Naval Forces. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  31. ↑ "Vice Admiral Bimal Verma AVSM takes over as Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command". pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 27 December 2017. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
  32. ↑ "Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar takes over as C-n-C of Andaman & Nicobar Command". 2 December 2019. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
  33. ↑ @SpokespersonMoD (2 December 2019). "Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar takes over as C-n-C of Andaman & Nicobar Command" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  34. ↑ "Lieutenant General Manoj Pande takes over as Commander-In-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command Tomorrow;". pib.gov.in.
  35. ↑ "India's crucial Eastern Army Command, Andaman-Nicobar Command get new chiefs tomorrow". ThePrint. 31 May 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
  36. ↑ @airnews_pb (1 May 2023). "Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan takes over as CINCAN" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.