AK Harbola Takes Charge as Coast Guard Commander, Western Seaboard

AK Harbola, an esteemed officer of the Indian Coast Guard, assumed the role of Coast Guard Commander for the western seaboard at a ceremonial parade in Mumbai. Harbola, who joined the Coast Guard in 1989, has a notable career including commanding various ships and apprehending a hijacked vessel.

Additional Director General AK Harbola assumed the charge as Coast Guard Commander, western seaboard, during a ceremonial parade at the Mumbai-based ICG regional headquarters on Monday.

Harbola, a Direct Entry Officer who joined the Indian Coast Guard in January 1989, is a 'silver medallist' in physics from Kumaun University and holds a master's degree in management studies from Osmania University, according to a release.

Specializing in naval communication, Harbola has commanded every class of Coast Guard ship and played a crucial role in apprehending the hijacked Japanese merchant vessel 'Alondra Rainbow' in 1998 after a 780 km chase in the Arabian Sea aboard Coast Guard Ship Tarabai. His outstanding service earned him the 'Tatrakshak Medal' (TM) for gallantry from the President.

Before his current posting, Harbola served as the commander for the CG districts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, as well as for the Coast Guard Regions (North East and North West).

An alumnus of the US Coast Guards International Maritime Officer's School in Virginia, College of Defence Management in Secunderabad, and National Defence College in New Delhi, Harbola's extensive training has prepared him for this significant role.

(With inputs from agencies.)