M. R. Schunker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vice Admiral
M. R. Schunker
PVSM, AVSM
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| Nickname(s) | Dick |
| Born | 18 September 1924 |
| Died | 4 January 2021 (aged 96) |
| Allegiance |  British India (1943–1947) India (from 1947) |
| Service/ |
 Royal Indian Navy Indian Navy Indian Coast Guard |
| Years of service | 1943–1984 |
| Rank | _OF-8.svg){kind=small}  Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Indian Coast Guard Eastern Naval Command Western Fleet INS Valsura INS Kunjali INS Amba (A54) INS Rana (D115) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal |
Vice Admiral Melville Raymond Schunker (born September 18, 1924, died January 4, 2021) was a very important officer in the Indian Navy. He was known for his strong leadership. He served as the third leader of the Indian Coast Guard from 1982 to 1984. He was also the 6th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, a very high position, from 1980 to 1982. He was the first captain of the Indian Navy's special ship, INS Amba (A54), which helps submarines.
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Starting His Career
Melville Schunker began his naval career in November 1943. He joined the Royal Indian Naval Volunteer Reserve. He became a sub-lieutenant in May 1944. During World War II, he served on patrol boats and ships that cleared mines. After the war, he was chosen to join the Royal Indian Navy permanently. He became a lieutenant in March 1947.
After India's Independence
In March 1955, Schunker was promoted to lieutenant-commander. In 1956, he joined the crew of INS Mysore (C60). This ship was being updated in England. Schunker was the gunnery officer, in charge of the ship's guns. After two years on the Mysore, he moved to the Gunnery School in Cochin. There, he helped teach a new gunnery course in India.
In 1960, Schunker became a commander. He was appointed as the commanding officer of the destroyer ship INS Rana (D115). Later, he worked at the Naval Headquarters. In December 1961, he became the Fleet Operations Officer for the Western Fleet. He then attended a special staff college in England.
Leading the Submarine Support Ship
In 1967, the Indian Navy started its submarine division. To support the new submarines, the Navy got a special ship called a submarine tender. Schunker was chosen to be the first captain of this ship, INS Amba (A54). The ship was officially launched in December 1968 in Russia. As captain, Schunker oversaw the ship's first tests at sea. He then brought the Amba home to India in March 1969. For his excellent command of the Amba, he received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1970.
Schunker later commanded INS Kunjali, a naval police headquarters in Mumbai. He was promoted to Commodore. He then became the commanding officer of INS Valsura, an electrical engineering school. In 1972, he was selected to attend the National Defence College. After finishing the course, he became the Chief of Staff for the Western Naval Command in Mumbai.
Reaching Flag Rank
After two years, Schunker was promoted to rear admiral. He became the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) in March 1976. He commanded the Western Fleet from his old ship, the Mysore. After a year, he handed over command. Later in 1977, he became the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff. In early 1978, he was promoted to vice admiral. He was then appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
After two years in this role, he moved back to Naval Headquarters in 1980. On April 1, 1980, he became the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. For his outstanding service, he was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in January 1981.
Leading the Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was formed in 1978. Its main leader is called the Director General. On April 1, 1982, Vice Admiral Schunker became the third Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Under his leadership, the Coast Guard started using aircraft. The first Coast Guard Air squadron, with Chetak helicopters, began in May 1982. Also, during his time, five new ships were added to the Coast Guard fleet. These included the first offshore patrol vessels built in India. After two years, he retired in 1984.
After Retirement
After retiring from the Navy, Vice Admiral Schunker and his wife, Anne, moved to Goa. He lived in the Defence Colony in Porvorim. He passed away on January 4, 2021, at the age of 96.
