On 22 April 1958, he took over as the first Indian Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and promoted to the substantive rank of Vice Admiral.

[1] From 1948 to 1968, the appointment of CNS, the professional head of the Indian Navy was held by a vice admiral.

The three FOC-in-C appointments are: At naval headquarters, the principal staff officers (PSO) are senior vice admirals.

The flag of a vice admiral has a gold-blue octagon bearing naval crest in the middle, and three blue stars placed vertically at hoist side.

The badges of rank have a crossed sword and baton over three eight-pointed stars and the Ashoka emblem above, on a golden shoulder board.