A significant change of command took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, as Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena officially took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command. He succeeds Vice Admiral V. Srinivas in this pivotal role.
The transition began with a solemn ceremony at the SNC War Memorial, located at the Naval Base in Kochi, where both Vice Admiral Saxena and his predecessor, Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, paid their respects to the courageous individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Vice Admiral Saxena’s distinguished career in the Indian Navy began on July 1, 1989, when he was commissioned as an officer. He is a highly skilled specialist in navigation and direction, having honed his expertise at prestigious institutions such as the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; and the Naval War College in Newport, USA.
His extensive sea service includes roles as a non-specialist officer aboard Indian naval ships Ajay, Sukanya, and Akshay. Demonstrating his specialized skills, he served as part of the direction team on the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, and later as the Navigating Officer for Indian naval ships Kuthar, Godavari, and Delhi. He also held the position of Executive Officer for INS Mumbai.
Vice Admiral Saxena’s command experience is equally impressive, including leading the Mauritian Coast Guard ship Guardian, and the Indian naval ships Kulish and Mysore. He further served as the Fleet Operations Officer for the Western Fleet and was instrumental as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans). He also had the honor of commanding the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy. His previous command was as the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area, a role he assumed in November 2022.
Prior to his current appointment, he was serving as the Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, a position he took on when promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral on August 1, 2023.
In recognition of his exemplary service and dedication, Vice Admiral Saxena was awarded the Nau Sena Medal in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023.
He is happily married to Laboni Saxena.