Commodore Varghese Mathew took over as Naval Officer in Charge, NOIC Kerala from Commodore Jose Vikas at a ceremonial event on 30 July 2025. An alumnus of Sainik School, Kazhakootam and National Defence Academy NDA, he was commissioned into IndianNavy on 01 July 1996. A Gunnery and Missile Warfare Specialist, Commodore Mathew has undergone advanced military education at the Defence Services Staff College DSSC Wellington and the Naval War College NWC Goa.
In his 30 years of service, he has tenated key Command, Staff and Training appointments. Significantly, from 2015 to 2017, he had served as Naval Officer-in-Charge, Kerala and played a pivotal role in enhancing the state's coastal security infrastructure. Prior taking over, he was serving at Tri Services Headquarters at NewDelhi.
Commodore Mathew is also a prolific writer and has authored several insightful articles on maritime and strategic affairs. His work has been featured in esteemed publications such as US Naval Proceedings, Indian Naval Dispatch, the United Service Institution of India USI, and the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses IDSA.His vast experience, combined with his native insight and professional acumen positions him well for this challenging appointment.
