INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS

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— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief

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— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief

Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.

— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief
       

Rear Admiral Vikram Menon takes over as FOGA

April 30, 2022 Photo(s): By PRO (Navy)

Rear Admiral Vikram Menon took over duties of Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area (FOGA) and Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) on April 30, 2022 from Rear Admiral Philipose G. Pynumootil who retired on superannuation after a career spanning over 36 years in service.

Rear Admiral Menon is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Naval War College and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 January 1990. An experienced fighter pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor with over 2000 hours of flying experience, he has flown the Sea Harrier aircraft extensively from INS Viraat. He also served as the Senior Pilot of INAS 300 and commanded INAS 552. He was awarded the Vishist Seva Medal in 2018 while commanding INS Hansa, a premier air station of the Indian Navy. His afloat tenures include command of Fast Attack Craft INS Tillanchang, Offshore Patrol Vessel INS Sharda and the Fleet Tanker INS Shakti. He has also served as Executive Officer of the guided missile destroyer INS Ranvijay.

Prior to taking over as FOGA, the Flag Officer held the appointment of Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) at Naval Headquarters. His Staff appointments include Director of Aircraft Acquisition at Naval Headquarters and Chief Staff Officer (Air) at Headquarters Naval Aviation.

Rear Admiral Philipose G. Pynumootil (left) hands over the baton to Rear Admiral Vikram Menon (right)
Rear Admiral Vikram Menon reviews the guard of honour during the change of command ceremonial parade at Goa
Rear Admiral Vikram Menon assumes the duties of Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area
Rear Admiral Vikram Menon pays tribute to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in line of duty at the war memorial at INS Gomantak, Goa
Rear Admiral Philipose G. Pynumootil, who retired on superannuation from the service on April 30, 2022, being given the traditional farewell in a pulling out ceremony