sikhpride

Although, Indian Army and Air Force have witnessed the Sikh officers as their chiefs, the Indian Navy has not yet got a Sikh officer admiral of the Indian Navy. However, an outstanding officer in the rank of vice admiral, S. Surinder Pal Singh Cheema just retired on 31st January 2016 after 4 decades of distinguished service. He was born on 31st January 1956. After his graduation from Nation Defense Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla, he attended the Defense Services Staff College (DSSC) Willington and then College of Naval Warfare (CNW) Mumbai, and came out with flying colors. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 1, 1977. As a commanding officer, he commanded the missile boat INS Nishank, the Khukri class missile corvette INS Khanjar, the Talwar class stealth frigate INS Trishul and the Centaur class aircraft carrier INS Viraat. He also headed the naval base INS Mandovi. He also served as the Controller Personnel Services at the Integrated Headquarters. He served as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for Perspective Planning and Force Development (PP&FD) and for DOT in two different assignments. Apart from these he served as the Chief of the Staff of Western Naval Command and as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Fleet. He served in four different appointments as a Commander-in-Chief since being promoted to C-in-C grade on August 31, 2012. He served as the FOC-in-C of Southern Naval Command from 2014 to 2015; Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Forces Command; Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS) to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee; and as lastly as the FOC-in-C of Western Naval Command. He also served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy. For his distinguished services he had been honored with Ati Vishisht Sewa Medal and Param Ati Vishisht Sewa Medal. By holding this high position in the Indian navy and commanding considerable respect during his career he has made us all feel proud of him.