Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena has officially assumed the role of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Southern Naval Command (SNC) as of October 31, 2025. He takes over from Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, who recently retired after an impressive career in the Indian Navy that spanned nearly four decades. The handover ceremony was held at Naval Base Kochi, where both officers paid their respects at the SNC War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices made by personnel in service to the nation.
Vice Admiral Saxena, commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1989, is renowned for his expertise in Navigation and Direction. As an alumnus of prestigious institutions such as the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Naval War College in Newport, USA, he brings a wealth of operational experience and strategic insight to his new position.
Throughout his distinguished career, Saxena has held a variety of significant operational, staff, and training roles. He served as a non-specialist officer on several ships including INS Ajay, INS Sukanya, and INS Akshay. As a Navigation specialist, he was part of the Direction team aboard the iconic INS Viraat, later serving as the Navigating Officer on INS Kuthar, INS Godavari, and INS Delhi, eventually becoming the Executive Officer of INS Mumbai.
His leadership capabilities were sharpened through various command roles, including leading the Mauritian Coast Guard Ship Guardian, as well as INS Kulish and INS Mysore. He also played a crucial role as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet, overseeing vital operational deployments.
Onshore, Vice Admiral Saxena has held pivotal positions such as Joint Director of Personnel, Principal Director of Foreign Cooperation, and Naval Assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff from 2011 to 2012. Between 2016 and 2019, he was instrumental as the Naval Adviser at the High Commission of India in London, where he focused on enhancing India’s maritime diplomacy and foreign collaborations.
After being promoted to Rear Admiral in February 2020, he took on the role of Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Policy and Plans, significantly influencing the Navy’s strategic planning, capability development, and acquisition initiatives. His leadership journey continued as he commanded the Western Fleet from December 2021 to November 2022 and later served as Flag Officer Commanding of the Gujarat Naval Area. Saxena achieved the rank of Vice Admiral on August 1, 2023, preceding his recent appointment as Chief of Staff for the Eastern Naval Command.
In recognition of his service, Vice Admiral Saxena has been awarded the Nausena Medal in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023. He has also received commendations from both the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Commissioner of Police in Mauritius for his acts of valor at sea.
On a personal note, he is married to Mrs. Laboni Saxena, who has been actively involved with the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA), making significant contributions to the welfare of naval families.
As he steps into his new role as FOC-in-C of the Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Saxena is expected to advance the command’s mission focusing on operational excellence, maritime safety, and the professional growth of naval personnel.
