New Delhi: An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and National Defence College, New Delhi, Director General VS Pathania has taken over as the 24th chief of Indian Coast Guard. The Flag Officer is a qualified helicopter pilot and holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. He has also undergone specialization in search and rescue and port operations with the US Coast Guard. 

In his illustrious career spanning over 36 years, he has held several key appointments afloat and ashore, prominent among them are Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) at Gandhi Nagar, Commander Coast Guard Region (West) at Mumbai, Deputy Director General (HRD), Deputy Director General (Policy & Plans) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi. The flag officer has also commanded all class of Coast Guard ships, namely, inshore patrol vessel ‘Ranijindan’, offshore patrol vessel 'Vigraha' and advanced offshore patrol vessel 'Sarang'.            

He has also held various appointments, namely, Principal Director (HRD), Principal Director (Policy & Plans) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi, Chief of Staff at Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (North West), Chief Staff Officer (Operations) and Chief Staff Officer (Personnel & Administration) at Headquarters Coast Guard Region (West), Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Air Station at Chennai, Director (Personnel) and Joint Director (Aviation) at Coast Guard Headquarters and also as Squadron Commander of 848 Sqn at Chennai. /BI/