Flag Officer Gujarat Naval Area: New Leader Takes Charge
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru took over the reins of Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area from Rear Admiral Sathish Vasudev, Nau Sena Medal, as its ninth Flag Officer Commanding, at an impressive ceremonial parade held at Porbandar on 01 Nov 2025. The appointment of the Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat, Daman & Diu Naval Area (FOGNA) is one of the key senior posts in the Indian Navy. The FOGNA reports to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. A ceremonial parade for a change of command symbolises both respect for outgoing leadership and the formal handing over of responsibilities. It strengthens institutional continuity and morale. The fact that the event took place at Porbandar highlights the strategic importance of the Gujarat coast for India’s maritime security.
In a career spanning over 30 years, Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru, a specialist in anti-submarine warfare, has held challenging operational and staff appointments, both afloat and ashore. The officer has commanded Indian Naval ships Astravahini, Ajay, Kuthar and Mysore. Ashore, he has held key staff appointments at the Directorate of Naval Plans, Naval Headquarters and as Naval Assistant to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command. Before assuming the appointment of FOGNA, he served as Commodore (Training) at Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, steering Training across the Navy. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is a critical capability in modern navies, involving detecting, tracking and neutralising submarines. A specialist in ASW means Rear Admiral Guru brings important expertise for maritime defence.
Commanding frontline warships such as INS Mysore and others shows operational leadership at sea, which is valued in appointments that cover large coastal areas and multiple installations. Staff appointments, like in the Directorate of Naval Plans or as a Naval Assistant, show the officer has served in planning and policy roles, giving him a breadth of experience beyond just sea operations.
The officer is an alumnus of RIMC, Dehradun; NDA, Pune; JMSDF Staff College, Tokyo; NWC, Goa and NDC, New Delhi. Institutions like the Naval War College, Goa and National Defence College, New Delhi, are premier staff colleges in India where senior officers are trained in strategy, leadership and national security. Attendance at these marks a high level of professional development. The alumni status at the National Defence Academy, Pune (NDA) and Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun (RIMC) indicates early military education and a long career path preparing him for high command.
The Indian Navy accords very high priority to the frontline state of Gujarat, due to its strategic location, vast coastline and economic significance for India. The FOGNA is responsible to the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, for all Naval operations in Gujarat, Daman and Diu Naval Area, in synergy with other Services, Central and State agencies. Gujarat has over 1,600 km of coastline and hosts several major ports, making maritime security, coastal patrol and anti-smuggling efforts a key role for the Navy in that region.
The FOGNA must coordinate with agencies like the coast guard, customs, state police and port authorities to ensure a layered maritime security environment. The Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy oversees critical areas, including the Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean – the Gujarat area, therefore, forms a key piece of national maritime strategy.
