Port Blair, Nov. 21: Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, TM, COMCG (A&N) will be relinquishing command of ICG Region (A&N) on 22 Nov 23, after a successful tenure of 16 months. The Flag Officer assumed command on 01 August 2022 as the 25th commander of the Coast Guard Region (A&N).

Under the dynamic leadership of IG Bhisham Sharma, TM, Coast Guard organisation in A&N Islands scaled greater heights and ensured impenetrable security and safety of these islands. During this tenure the Coast Guard further amalgamated with Andaman and Nicobar Command, aligning with the Op vision of C-in-C, ANC. The continuous impetus by the Flag Officer towards ICG operations resulted in 85% operational availability of ICG ships and aircrafts. High Op availability of ICG units resulted in rescue of 51 precious lives in distress at sea and apprehension of 80 Myanmarese poachers from 09 boats. The singular ability of Flag Officer to integrate service with society resulted in 6500 civilian volunteers participating in International Coastal Cleanup operations undertaken during the year 2022 and 2023 apart from various other GoI initiatives.

Being a visionary the Flag Officer had laid special emphasis on capacity building and augmentation of Op infrastructure as one of his key result areas. ICG infrastructure development gained tremendous momentum under the Flag Officer’s forward looking leadership.

IG Bhisham Sharma, TM will be moving to Mumbai, to take over as the Commander Coast Guard Region (West) with an area of responsibility of maritime region which includes Daman, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and L&M islands.

In his farewell address the Flag officer appreciated the synergy and jointness exhibited by all personnel in the Quad Service environment which has ensured ICG achieving higher standards and indomitable reputation as a true savior at sea, protecting our coast and the marine ecosystem.