Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair Takes Helm as New Commandant of Indian Naval Academy
A Veteran Surface Warfare Officer Steps into Leadership Role at Ezhimala, Succeeding Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty
BNH BUREAU
Ezhimala – In a significant change of leadership, Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, NM, has officially assumed the role of Commandant at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala. He succeeds Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, AVSM, in this critical position.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Nair brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. A distinguished Surface Warfare officer, he has specialized in Communications and Electronic Warfare. His extensive training includes stints at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the US Naval War College in Newport, USA. Additionally, he holds an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.
Vice Admiral Nair's naval career features a series of notable appointments. He has served as the Signal Communicatio
n Officer on various Indian Navy ships, including as Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer and Fleet Communications Officer for the Western Fleet. His command experience encompasses the Missile Corvette INS Kirch, the Guided Missile Destroyer INS Chennai, and the Indian Navy’s largest warship, the Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya.
A seasoned naval strategist, Vice Admiral Nair has also been deeply involved in policy and strategic planning. His staff roles include Directing Staff at the Naval War College Goa, Officer-in-Charge of the Signal School, and Commodore (Personnel) at the Directorate of Personnel, Naval Headquarters. He has contributed to the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (INSOC), a premier think-tank for over three years.
Promoted to Rear Admiral in January 2022, Vice Admiral Nair served as the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) before his elevation to Vice Admiral. Prior to his current appointment, he commanded the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy.
As he takes over as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Nair is poised to bring his extensive experience and strategic insight to shape the future leaders of the Indian Navy.
