Vice Admiral Susheel Menon Takes Command as Chief of Staff at Eastern Naval Command
Visakhapatnam, November 1, 2025 — Vice Admiral Susheel Menon has taken over as the Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Eastern Naval Command (HQENC), marking a notable change in leadership for the Indian Navy. He succeeds this role after completing his term as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), where he significantly contributed to bolstering the Navy’s operational readiness and maritime capabilities along India’s eastern seaboard.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Vice Admiral Menon entered the Indian Navy in 1992. Specializing in Gunnery and Missiles, he has had an impressive career spanning over 33 years, holding various operational, training, and staff positions with distinction.
Throughout his naval career, Vice Admiral Menon has commanded several prominent Indian naval warships, including IN Ships TRV-71, Kirpan, Kolkata, and the Aircraft Carrier INS Vikramaditya, which is among the Navy’s key assets. His period as Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) was marked by a strong focus on improving combat efficiency and preparedness throughout the fleet.
Vice Admiral Menon has also pursued academic excellence, having attended the Naval Command and Staff College in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the Naval War College in Rhode Island, USA. His international education has significantly influenced his strategic leadership and vision within the Indian Navy.
For his distinguished service and contributions to the Navy, Vice Admiral Susheel Menon was honored with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in 2019. His leadership is a testament to the professionalism, integrity, and dedication that are hallmarks of the Indian Navy.
As he assumes the position of Chief of Staff at HQENC, Vice Admiral Menon will be crucial in directing key operational, administrative, and strategic initiatives of the Eastern Naval Command, also known as the Eastern Sword (Sunrise Fleet). His leadership underscores the Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime dominance and protecting India’s interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
