Media Release

Udupi, Jun 27: The 6 Karnataka Naval Unit NCC, Udupi, witnessed a formal change of command ceremony on June 26, as lieutenant commander M A Multani handed over the reins of the unit to commander Aswin M Rao in a traditional military ceremony. The event, attended by the unit’s staff and all Associate NCC Officers (ANOs), marked a significant transition in leadership.

The ceremony commenced with lieutenant commander Multani symbolically presenting the ceremonial cap to commander Aswin Rao, signifying the official transfer of command.

In his farewell address, lieutenant commander Multani was lauded for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service, which elevated the unit’s performance and earned it numerous accolades in various competitions and events.

Commander Aswin Rao, the incoming commanding officer, expressed his gratitude to lieutenant commander Multani for his stellar contributions and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the unit’s legacy. He particularly highlighted the critical role of ANOs in mentoring and grooming young cadets, emphasizing their importance in shaping future leaders.

A distinguished officer with two decades of service in the Indian Navy, commander Rao was commissioned in the early 2000s as an air electrical officer. Hailing from Karkala, Udupi, he is fluent in Kannada, Hindi, and English. An accomplished alumnus of IIT Kanpur and NMAMIT, Nitte, he brings a wealth of experience from prestigious postings, including INS Valsura, INAS 342, WESEE, INS Sharda, NIAT (Kochi), and CEMILAC, Bangalore. His most recent assignment was at NLC (HAL) for aviation trials, where he worked extensively on ALH Mk I, ALH Mk III and Chetak helicopters.

In recognition of his meritorious service, commander Rao was honoured with the chief of naval staff commendation in 2020 during his tenure at NIAT, Kochi.

The 6 Karnataka Naval Unit NCC looks forward to commander Rao’s visionary leadership as it continues to inspire and train the next generation of naval cadets.