<p>Ace chopper pilot Virender Singh Pathania took charge as the new Director-General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on January 1. Pathania who hails from Himachal Pradesh is the first chopper pilot from the force to get command of the Coast Guard. Pathania has held several key roles afloat and ashore in a career spanning 36 years, prominent among them are Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) and Commander Coast Guard Region (West). He was also holding the charge of Deputy Director of General Policy and Plans at ICG Headquarters in New Delhi. Being an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and National Defence College in New Delhi, the flag officer is a qualified helicopter pilot. He also holds a Master Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. Pathania has also undergone specialisation in search and rescue and port operations from US Coast Guard. The flag officer is a recipient of President's Tatrakshak Medal for distinguished service, Tatrakshak Medal for Gallantry service and has also been commended with Director General Indian Coast Guard Commendation.</p>