In a significant event at the Southern Naval Command headquarters in Kochi, Commodore Varghese Mathew officially took over as the new Naval Officer-in-Charge (Kerala), succeeding Commodore Jose Vikas. The handover ceremony, which featured the ceremonial exchange of command insignia, is a testament to the Indian Navy’s commitment to smooth leadership transitions that bolster training and operational continuity.
Commodore Mathew, who hails from the distinguished Sainik School and the National Defence Academy, has nearly three decades of dedicated service in the Indian Navy. He was commissioned on July 1, 1996, and has specialized in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. His educational background includes advanced training at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Indian Naval War College. Before assuming his new responsibilities in Kochi, he gained valuable joint-service experience while serving at the Tri-Services Headquarters in New Delhi.
The Southern Naval Command, located at INS Venduruthy in Kochi, serves as the Indian Navy’s premier training command. It plays a crucial role in the professional development of naval personnel through both foundational and advanced training programs. Since its establishment, the command has seen a steady evolution in its significance, with its leader’s rank elevated to a three-star rank in 1977, reflecting its increasing responsibilities, particularly within the Indian Ocean Region.
Commodore Mathew’s appointment is anticipated to enhance the command’s training ecosystem and maritime readiness, especially in the strategically vital coastal state of Kerala. His leadership is expected to reinforce the navy’s mission of cultivating a contemporary and mission-ready force capable of addressing both regional and global maritime challenges.
