Rear Admiral Vikram Menon takes charge as Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area in Karwar

Karwar: 22 August 2025 (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Rear Admiral Vikram Menon on Thursday assumed command as the Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area (FOK), at the naval base in Karwar.

A decorated fighter pilot and warship commander, Rear Admiral Menon has completed more than three decades of service in the Indian Navy. He has earlier held several key appointments, including his tenure as Joint Secretary (Navy and Defence Staff) in the Ministry of Defence.

For his distinguished service, Rear Admiral Menon was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018.

With this appointment, he will be heading the Karnataka Naval Area, which is one of the Navy’s most important operational and strategic commands based in Karwar.

The Karnataka Naval Area, headquartered in Karwar, plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s western coastline and supporting naval operations in the Arabian Sea. The Karwar base, also known as INS Kadamba, is one of the largest naval bases in Asia and a hub for the Navy’s operational readiness. As Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Menon will oversee operational preparedness, coastal security, and coordination with other defence and civilian agencies in the region.