Vice Admiral Om Prakash Bansal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM took over the command as the new Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command from Vice Admiral Raman Puri, PVSM, AVSM, VSM at an impressive ceremonial parade held at the Naval Base here today. Vice Admiral Bansal inspected ceremonial guard and reviewed a large number of platoons of naval personnel drawn from various ships and establishments of the Eastern Naval Command at the Command Parade Ground this morning. Prior to taking over the present appointment, Vice Admiral OP Bansal was the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN).

Vice Admiral OP Bansal joined the National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla in 1963 and was later commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy in July 1967. After initial naval training and specialisation in Gunnery and Missiles, the Officer underwent advanced Gunnery Course at Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, UK. He is an alumnus of US Naval War College, New Port, Rhode Island, USA and the National Defence College, New Delhi. Vice Admiral OP Bansal held many prestigious operational and staff appointments during his 36 year illustrious career. He took part in the 1971 Indo Pak War as Gunnery Officer onboard INS Talwar. His other sea appointments include Executive Officer, INS Udaygiri and INS Krishna. His Command appointments include the Commanding Officer of Sultanate of Oman Navy Ship Al-Mansoor, Indian Naval Ship Hoshdurg  and the front line Guided Missile Destroyer, INS Ranjit.