New Delhi: Vice Admiral Arun Prakash, one of the highest-decorated Naval officers who as a Lieutenant won a bravery award for flying Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters in 1965 Indo-Pak conflict, was today (June 1, 2004) named as new Chief of the Naval Staff.

Prakash will take over from Admiral Madhvendera Singh who retires on July 31, an official announcement said.

An ace Naval aviator, Prakash was born in Kashmir valley and comes from a background of Army family. He has had the distinction of commanding major warships in the Naval flotilla as well as two air Naval squadrons including Sea Harriers.

For his daredevil exploits in the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, Vice Admiral Prakash was awarded Vir Chakra.