Chennai: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will now be under the leadership of Krishnaswamy Natarajan, who took over as its Director General on Sunday.
He will be the 23rd chief of the sea force and the second to reach the top position within the ICG ranks.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Natarajan has served the ICG for over 35 years and has commanded all classes of ships, including the Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) and Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV).
He has also served as the Commander Coast Guard District No 5 (Tamil Nadu), the Commanding Officer ICGS Mandapam (near Rameswaram) and as the first Officer-in-Charge of Coast Guard Training Centre (Kochi).
Following the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai, Natarajan played a critical role in furthering the role of the ICG in Indian’s maritime matters.
As the Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) at ICG Headquarters, Natarajan gave fillip to the overall growth of the organisation and played a key role in setting up of additional 20 stations, 10 air establishments, two regional headquarters, two seaboard headquarters and issuing contract for 120 ships and boats.
He joined the ICG in January, 1984, and has received training in specialised in search and rescue, as well as maritime safety and port operations from the US Coast Guard Reserve Training Centre in Virginia.
As the Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), Natarajan’s leadership ensured a surge in major operations including apprehension of 1.5 tonne of narcotic substances, mass rescue operations during cyclones and humanitarian assistance during natural calamities to name a few.
His stint at Kochi saw a series of new training through processes being introduced to up the skills of ICG’s future officers.
The new DG holds a Master's Degree in Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University and is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
Natarajan took over the reins of ICG following the superannuation of Rajendra Singh, who is the first cadre officer to become the ICG chief.
