Goemkarponn desk
VASCO: Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus took over as Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area (FOGA) from Rear Admiral Vikram Menon, VSM at an impressive Ceremonial Parade held at INS Hansa, Goa. Prior to taking over as FOGA, Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus served as Deputy Commandant of Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
On taking charge Rear Adm Ajay D Theophilus paid homage to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in service to the Nation by placing a floral wreath at the War Memorial at INS Gomantak, Goa.
The Admiral has had an illustrious career. He joined Indian Navy in 1987 and was commissioned into the executive branch on 01 July, 1991. He was selected for the pilot’s course in June 1992, and upon completing the course, joined the fighter stream of Naval Aviation.
He has flown Kiran, HPT-32, MiG-21, Sea Harrier and MiG-29K aircraft. He was the first Indian Pilot to land the MiG-29K on INS Vikramaditya. He has done the Flying Instructors Course in 2001 and is an instructor on Sea Harriers and MiG-29K aircraft. He has over 3,000 hours of flying with 1,000 hours on Sea Harriers and 700 hours on MiG-29K.
Rear Admiral Theophilus was selected to head the MiG-29K project and after completing the MiG-29K flying training in Russia, he commissioned the squadron. He also led the team for the trials and testing of the MiG-29Ks, and later, led the squadron for integration with the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. He has also served as the Captain (Air) of INS Vikramaditya. He has commanded INS Trinkat, and the frigates INS Talwar followed by INS Tarkash.
He is married to Savitha Theophilus and they have two children, Abhijit and Millen.
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