Mangaluru: Deputy Inspector General S Babu Venkatesh assumed charge as Commander Coast Guard, Karnataka on Friday, February 7.

He took charge from DIG S S Dasila, who has been transferred to Mumbai. Babu Venkatesh, during his nearly three-decade-long career, has commanded various classes of ships which include Fast Patrol Vessel, Offshore Patrol Vessel, Hovercraft and Interceptor Boats.

He has held various staff appointments including Chief Staff Officer (Personnel and Administration) at Regional Headquarters A & N and staff officer to Commander Coast Guard (East), where the officer has effectively ensured administrative framework. He is specialised in communication and holds an MPhil degree in defence and strategic studies from the Madras University.

After assuming charge, Babu Venkatesh said that he will prioritise setting the infrastructure for the future of the Coast Guard’s operational requirement which will boost the safety of Karnataka’s coast.