Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil took over as assistant chief of naval staff (air) this week.
An alumnus of the Lawrence School, Lovedale and the National Defence Academy, Pynumootil was commissioned in the Indian Navy on January 1, 1986.
A rotary wing pilot, he has served in several key operational and staff posts including commanding naval air stations and guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra. He has participated in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. Prior to taking over his current appointment, he was principal director, aircraft acquisition at the naval headquarters.