On the 6th of October 2023, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed his new role as the Chief of Personnel, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in naval operations and leadership. His remarkable career, which began when he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on the 1st of July 1987, has seen him excel in various key roles and positions.
A specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare, Vice Admiral Swaminathan’s educational journey includes attending prestigious institutions such as the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla; the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Shrivenham, United Kingdom; the College of Naval Warfare in Karanja; and the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
“Throughout his career, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has been recognized for his outstanding contributions with awards such as the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. His operational, staff, and training appointments have been marked by excellence, including commanding missile vessels like INS Vidyut and Vinash, the missile corvette INS Kulish, the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya”.
As he rose through the ranks, Vice Admiral Swaminathan served as the Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters Southern Naval Command, Kochi. In this role, he played a pivotal role in overseeing training activities in the Indian Navy and played a key role in enhancing operational safety through the establishment of the Indian Navy Safety Team. Subsequently, he served as the Flag Officer Sea Training, leading the Navy’s work-up organization. He also had the privilege of commanding the Western Fleet, one of the Navy’s most critical operational commands.
“His distinguished service continued as he took on responsibilities such as Flag Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group and Advisor Offshore Security and Defence to the Government of India. Vice Admiral Swaminathan also served as the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command before taking up the position of Controller Personnel Services at NHQ”.
Apart from his extensive naval career, Vice Admiral Swaminathan is highly educated, holding degrees including a BSc from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; an MSc in Telecommunications from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi; an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College, London; an MPhil in Strategic Studies from Mumbai University; and a PhD in International Studies from Mumbai University.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan’s assumption of the role of Chief of Personnel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian Navy’s leadership, ensuring the continued excellence and preparedness of the nation’s naval forces.
