A ceremonial Change of Guard was held in the Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area (GD&D) as Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru took over as the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Naval Area (FOGNA) from Rear Admiral Satish Vasudev, NM on November 1, 2025. This event underlined a crucial leadership transition in one of the pivotal operational sectors of the Indian Navy along the western seaboard.
Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru, an established Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) specialist, boasts over 30 years of distinguished service in the naval forces. During his career, he has navigated a variety of challenging operational and staff roles, both aboard ships and on land, significantly contributing to the enhancement of India’s maritime security and the modernization of the naval fleet.
In his illustrious career, the Flag Officer has captained several frontline naval vessels, including INS Mysore, INS Kuthar, INS Ajay, and INS Astravahini. His tenure at sea has been characterized by professionalism and operational excellence, along with a firm commitment to maintaining high standards in combat readiness and crew training.
Rear Admiral Guru’s extensive staff background includes noteworthy positions such as serving in the Directorate of Naval Plans at Naval Headquarters and acting as Naval Assistant to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (FOCINC ENC). Before assuming the role of FOGNA, he was Commodore (Training) at the Southern Naval Command (SNC), where he played a key role in overseeing essential aspects of naval training and professional growth.
The Gujarat Naval Area is essential for safeguarding India’s maritime interests along the northwestern coastline, encapsulating critical ports, strategic sea routes, and important naval installations. Under Rear Admiral Guru’s leadership, the area is anticipated to intensify its focus on operational readiness, coastal security coordination, and collaborative maritime initiatives with other military services and governmental agencies.
His appointment as FOGNA emphasizes the Navy’s commitment to experienced leadership and enhanced inter-command collaboration. Rear Admiral Guru’s extensive operational expertise and strategic insight are expected to bolster the Indian Navy’s capabilities and presence in the western maritime domain significantly.
