Port Blair, Feb 02: Inspector General VSR Murthy, PTM, TM, has taken over the helm of Coast Guard Region (A&N) from Inspector General KC Pande, TM today 09 Feb 12. Inspector General VSR Murthy, PTM, TM, in his earlier appointment spear headed the Operations Directorate at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi, as Deputy Director General (Operations and Coastal Security).
Inspector General Murthy has held various important command and staff appointments, both afloat and ashore. He has commanded all four major classes of ship with the Indian Coast Guard which includes Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Samar’, Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Vijaya’, Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Annie Besant’ and Inshore Patrol Vessel ‘Kittur Chennamma’. The officer’s important command appointments ashore include the Commander Coast Guard District-5 (Tamil Nadu), Commander Coast Guard Goa Area and Commanding Officer, ICGS Delhi. His key staff assignments include Principal Director (Policy & Plans) and Joint Director (Human Resource Development) at the Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi and Chief Staff Officer (Personnel & Administration) at the Coast Guard Regional (West), Mumbai.
A gold medalist from the Andhra University, the officer holds Masters Degrees in Marine Sciences from Andhra University and Defence & Strategic Studies from Madras University. The officer also holds Master of Philosophy and Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management. The Flag Officer is an alumnus of the National Defence College, New Delhi and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He has also received specialised training in Search & Rescue and Port Operations at the US Coast Guard Reserve Training Centre, Yorktown, Virginia.
Inspector General Murthy is a highly decorated officer. He is a recipient of President Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service) in 2012 and Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) in 2003. The Flag Officer is also recipient of Lieutenant Governor (Andaman & Nicobar) Commendation in the year 1989.