VAdm Suraj Berry assumed charge as COP on 01 April 2023. The Flag Officer was commissioned on 01 January 1987 and is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. His sea commands include that of missile vessel INS Nirbhik, missile corvette INS Karmuk, stealth frigate INS Talwar, and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya of which he was commissioning Commanding Officer, having been associated with Project for nearly four years. His Staff and Operational appointments include those as Flag Lieutenant to FOCINC WNC, Operations Officer of Mobile Missile Costal Battery, Fleet Gunnery Officer of Western Fleet, Defence Advisor to Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Director at DSR, Naval Assistant to CNS and Principal Director Strategy, Concepts and Transformation at Naval Headquarters. He was awarded VSM in 2006 for services during Tsunami Relief Operations in Sri Lanka/ Maldives, Nao Sena Medal in 2015 for devotion to duty and AVSM in 2020. He is also a recipient of commendation by FOCINC Western Naval Command on two occasions and by the Chief of the Naval Staff. He was elevated to Flag Rank in October 2016, and has served as ACOP (HRD), FOCEF and COS, ANC and CPS at IHQ MoD (Navy) prior taking over as Chief of Personnel. The Admiral holds a graduate diploma with distinction in International Security Studies from the Naval Staff Course at US Naval War College, Rhode Island, a Master Degree in Weapon Technology and second Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. He is also recipient of the Best All Round Officer and First in Order of Merit trophies during his specialisation training. With his extensive background in personnel management, he is uniquely qualified to take on this important role. His leadership and experience will be an invaluable asset to Indian Navy as it continues to grow and evolve.
