Navy heads for sea change

The top Naval brass is in for a complete revamp after present Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta retires from service on August 31. While Vice Admiral Nirmal Verma,presently the Eastern Commander,will take over the top slot,several key officers are also set to retire with Mehta. This includes the current Vice Chief of Navy,Vice Admiral R P Suthan. While permutations and combinations are still being worked out,it is learnt that the current Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS),Vice Admiral D K Joshi,is being considered for the number two slot. He,in turn,is likely to be replaced by newly appointed Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan. Everyone is also keen to see who takes over from Verma,who will vacate his post as Chief of the crucial Eastern Command after taking over as Navy Chief.