Admiral Sandila takes charge as new naval chief

By jazbablog - Fri Oct 07, 1:30 pm

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ISLAMABAD: The new naval chief Admiral M Asif Sandila has assumed his charge on Friday.

Upholding the principle of seniority, President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday had appointed Vice Admiral M Asif Sandila as chief of naval staff (CNS). The president also promoted Sandila to the rank of Admiral.

The change of command ceremony was held at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad on Friday.

Sandila is succeeding Admiral Noman Bashir who completed his three-year term on Friday (October 7, 2011) and handed over the command to the new naval chief.

Admiral Sandila was welcomed by a smartly turned contingent who presented guard of honor in a simple but dignified ceremony at the Naval Headquarters. Outgoing Admiral Noman Bashir and other high officials were present. Noman Bashir presented Sandila with a sword.

Speaking in the ceremony, Noman Bashir reiterated that the Pakistan Navy is committed to defend Pakistan’s sea frontiers and will continue its contribution towards peace and stability in the region.

Admiral Asif Sandila is the first Kohatian (he studied at Cadet College Kohat) to gain the top naval rank (Lt Gen (Retd) Sabahat Hussain and Maj Gen (Retd) Haroon Sikander Pasha are other prominent Kohatians who rose to the rank of three and two-star generals). He will succeed Admiral Noman Bashir who completes his three-year term on Friday (October 7, 2011).

Sandila belongs to Sangla Hill, Sheikhupura and has one son and two daughters. He won the sword of honour at the academy and also served as ADC to Admiral Sirohey when he was chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Admiral M Asif Sandila HI (M) was commissioned in the Operations Branch of Pakistan Navy in 1975. A highly qualified surface navy officer, Sandila has held challenging command and staff appointments, which include command of a guided missile Destroyer PNS Badr and 25th Destroyer Squadron. He served as Director General Maritime Security Agency and Commander Logistics and also commanded the Pakistan Navy Fleet from October 2008 to November 2009.

His staff appointments include deputy commandant Pakistan Naval Academy, assistant chief of naval staff (Planning), deputy chief of naval staff (Projects) and the all-important deputy chief of naval staff (Operations). Prior to his appointment as CNS, he was serving as chief of staff at the Naval Headquarters, Islamabad.

The Flag Officer is a graduate of the Naval Command and Staff College of Indonesia and the Armed Forces War College at the National Defence University. He is a recipient of the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and “Chevalier de I’ Ordre National de Merite” for rescuing French nationals in the Maldives during the Tsunami in December 2004.