The first FORTAN wasCommodore HML Saxena, who took over in 1977 and the last wasVice Admiral OP Bansal who relinquished charge as FORTAN on 27 September 2001.
TheAndaman and Nicobar Islands became aUnion territory of India in 1956. The first military unit on the islands was thenaval baseINS Jarawa, which was commissioned in 1964.[1] The base was commanded by a Resident Naval Officer (RNO). After establishing subsequent garrisons in the islands, the post was upgraded to Naval Officer-in-Charge Andaman & Nicobar (NOIC A&N).[2] The naval establishments were under the command of theEastern Naval Command during theIndo-Pakistani War of 1971. In October 1976, the operational control of all forces in the islands was given, and the post was upgraded to Commodore, Andaman & Nicobar (COMAN). In 1977, all establishments came under the newly created Fortress Andaman & Nicobar to signify jointness. The appointment was re-designated to Fortress Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (FORTAN). Commodore HML Saxena, the COMAN, took over as the first FORTAN.[3]
In March 1981, FORTAN was upgraded to aTwo star appointment tenanted by aRear Admiral.[4] In 1987, the post was further upgraded to athree star appointment.[5] In 1998, a 'Far East Naval Command' (FENC) was proposed, to be commanded by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Far East Naval Command. However, this proposal was changed in the aftermath of theKargil War. The Kargil Review Committee recommended the establishment of a tri-service command replacing the FORTAN by a Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar to control the assets of the three Services and theIndian Coast Guard.[6]
