Hyderabad :
As the Indian Navy rapidly spreads its wings into air as well and makes further forays into the Blue Water, Rear Admiral SrinivasKanugo, hailing from Hyderabad, assumed office as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air Materiel) [ACNS(AM)] at the Integrated Headquarters MoD (Navy). He will be the first Flag Officer in this new office.
Speaking to STOI exclusively over phone, Rear Admiral Kanugo recalled his growing up days in Hyderabad and schooling in many places in the state including a local government school and in Nagarjunasagar. Retracing his college days in JNTU College of Engineering in Anantapur, he spoke of his selection to Indian Navy’s University Entry Scheme wherein his final year fee was paid by the Indian Navy. “Way back in 1981, being commissioned into Indian Navy was a dream come true and then I opted for the aviation stream of the Indian Navy (the other two being submarine and ships)”, he said, adding that thereafter, the electronics graduate became an avid aviation enthusiast by being trained in the finer nuances of the subject.
According to Kanugo, the air arm of the Indian Navy is growing at a fast pace and that the Navy is not restricted to just being a Green Water Navy. Green Water Navy means the fleet comprises only battleships while Blue Water Navy includes possession of aircraft as well. The post in which Rear Admiral Srinivas Kanugo has assumed office has been created with a single point responsibility for all matters related to aviation technical management of the burgeoning air arm of the Indian Navy. The ACNS (AM) will be responsible for planning and co-ordination of new induction air equipment and systems, repair and overhaul of all existing aircraft, aero engines and associated equipment and systems as well as provisioning of air stores. The officer was awarded Vishist Sewa Medal (VSM) in 2013 for his outstanding contribution to the Indian Navy.
The air arm of the Indian Navy operates over 200 aircraft with over 20 different types including fighters, fixed wing Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The air arm, which recently marked its Diamond Jubilee, is on the anvil of transformation in capability and size with the induction of potent platforms such as the MiG 29K and Boeing P 8I and the planned induction of a large number of helicopters. Naval aviation is also seeing attendant needs for growth in infrastructure with addition of new air stations like INS Parundu in Ramnathapuram, INS Baaz in Campbell Bay and multiple air enclaves across the country.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad> Indian Navy / TNN / July 21st, 2013