Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty Takes Charge of ANC

Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, AVSM, assumed charge as the 20th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) on 1 June 2026 at Sri Vijaya Puram. He succeeded Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, who relinquished command on 25 May 2026 and took over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.

Andaman & Nicobar Command

The Andaman & Nicobar Command is India’s only integrated tri-services command. It includes assets from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard.

Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty

Vice Admiral McCarty was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1989. He is a specialist in Gunnery and Missiles and has more than 36 years of service in the Indian Navy.

Key Appointments and Responsibilities

Before this appointment, he served as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Staff Requirements), Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet, Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, and Controller Personnel Services. In his new role, he will oversee operational control and development of military assets in the island territories, including Great Nicobar Island.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Andaman & Nicobar Command was established as India’s first and only tri-services command.
• Sri Vijaya Puram is the administrative capital associated with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The Indian Navy commissions officers through the Naval Academy and other training institutions.
• Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost major island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

Strategic Context

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands lie in the eastern Indian Ocean and are close to major sea lanes of communication. The ANC has a role in maritime security, joint operations, and island-based defence infrastructure.