VS Pathania Receives Guard Of Honour, Takes Over As Director-General Of Indian Coast Guard

Virender Singh Pathania received the Guard of Honour as he replaces K Natarajan as the new Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Virender Singh Pathania received Guard of Honour (Image Source: ANI)

New Delhi: Ace chopper pilot Virender Singh Pathania has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), he received the Guard of Honour on Saturday. 

He was appointed as the new Director-General of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the government on December 31. After the ceremony, he spoke to the media and said, "It is with much pride and humility that I take over the reins of this fine service as the 24th Director-General. The Indian Coast Guard is in its 44th year of existence and is well known for its service to the nation and humanity," reported ANI.

Pathania who hails from Himachal Pradesh is the first chopper pilot from the force to get command of the Coast Guard. VS Pathania replaced K Natarajan, who served as the Chief of the ICG from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021.

He has served the organisation in various assignments over the past three and half decades. He held the charge of Deputy Director of General Policy and Plans at ICG Headquarters in New Delhi. He has also held several key appointments both afloat and ashore, prominent among them are Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) and Commander Coast Guard Region (West).

An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and National Defence College in New Delhi, the flag officer is a qualified helicopter pilot. He also holds a Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. Pathania has also undergone specialisation in search and rescue and port operations from US Coast Guard.

The officials said that the flag officer is a recipient of President's Tatrakshak Medal for distinguished service, Tatrakshak Medal for Gallantry service and has also been commended with Director General Indian Coast Guard Commendation.

According to a PTI report, a statement said, "The period under his apex watch on eastern seafront saw a surge in major operations that included apprehension of gold and tons of drugs/narcotic substance worth thousands of crores, pollution response operations, joint exercises with the foreign coast guard, anti-poaching operations, mass rescue operations and humanitarian assistance during cyclones/natural calamities and strengthened coastal security," it noted.