Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena Takes Command as Southern Naval Command Leader
Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM took over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) on October 31, 2025. He succeeded Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, PVSM, AVSM, NM, who retired after a distinguished career in the Indian Navy that spanned nearly 40 years. The ceremonial transfer of command occurred at Naval Base Kochi, where both officers paid their respects at the SNC War Memorial, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
A Distinguished Naval Career
Vice Admiral Saxena, who joined the Indian Navy on July 1, 1989, is an expert in Navigation and Direction. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Naval War College in Newport, USA. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive operational knowledge and strategic insight.
During his notable career, he has held various important operational, staff, and training roles. As a non-specialist officer, he served on INS Ajay, INS Sukanya, and INS Akshay. In his capacity as a Navigation specialist, he was part of the Direction team on INS Viraat and served as the Navigating Officer on INS Kuthar, INS Godavari, and INS Delhi, eventually becoming the Executive Officer of INS Mumbai.
Command and Leadership Roles
Vice Admiral Saxena's tenure in command includes leading the Mauritian Coast Guard Ship Guardian, as well as Indian Navy ships INS Kulish and INS Mysore. He also played a pivotal role as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, managing critical operational tasks.
Onshore, he has held significant appointments such as Joint Director of Personnel, Principal Director of Foreign Cooperation, and Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff between 2011 and 2012. From 2016 to 2019, he served as the Naval Adviser at the High Commission of India in London, enhancing India's maritime diplomacy and foreign relations.
In February 2020, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and took on the role of Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy & Plans), where he was instrumental in shaping the Navy's long-term development and acquisition strategies. He commanded the Western Fleet from December 2021 to November 2022 and later served as the Flag Officer Commanding of the Gujarat Naval Area. Upon his promotion to Vice Admiral on August 1, 2023, he became the Chief of Staff for the Eastern Naval Command, overseeing various operational and developmental projects.
Honours and Personal Life
Awarded the Nausena Medal in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023, Vice Admiral Saxena has also received commendations from the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Commissioner of Police in Mauritius for his bravery at sea.
He is married to Mrs. Laboni Saxena, who has been actively involved with the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), contributing to welfare programs for naval families.
As he takes the helm of the Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Saxena is set to lead India's premier naval training command, focusing on operational excellence, maritime safety, and the professional growth of naval personnel.
