05Apr
On April 05, 2025, a distinguished delegation from the Navy League visited the residence of REAR ADMIRAL MOHAMMAD ABDUL SAMAD (P.NO. 506). The delegation, led by Commodore T. Najmi (Rtd), President, Navy League, was composed of several senior retired officers including Vice Admiral S. Tauquir H. Naqvi (Rtd), Vice Admiral Mushtaq Ahmed (Rtd), Rear Admiral Syed A. Baqar (Rtd), Rear Admiral Ejaz Hussain (Rtd), and Captain G. Mujtaba (Rtd).
REAR ADMIRAL SAMAD, who is settled in the USA and typically visits Pakistan during the winter, warmly welcomed the delegation. The visit not only strengthened longstanding bonds of respect and camaraderie within our naval fraternity, but also allowed the delegation to express their deep appreciation for his exemplary career and contributions to the Navy. Their visit was marked by heartfelt exchanges and mutual admiration for the enduring legacy of a true naval officer.
During their visit, the Navy League delegation honored Admiral Samad as a trailblazer who transformed the Electrical Branch through his fairness and innovative leadership. Vice Admiral Naqvi highlighted his honesty as “unmatched,” while others shared fond memories. Admiral Samad spoke proudly of the Navy’s progress and his sea experiences, emphasizing his wife, Dr. Sajida Samad, as vital to his success. The trip aligned with the Navy League’s goal of honoring legends, inspiring the group with the Admiral’s humility and lasting impact. Commodore Najmi remarked, “Admiring him isn’t just about the past—it’s about learning from a true leader and visionary.”
After an hour-long stay, the delegation left with renewed admiration. They enjoyed a generous high tea, where their host warmly urged them to eat more, expressing joy at reconnecting with naval life after years. The Navy League pledged ongoing support to Rear Admiral Samad and wished him health and happiness, hoping he continues to uphold the Navy’s proud legacy. The meeting was both engaging and heartfelt, leaving everyone inspired.
Biography of Rear Admiral Mohammad Abdul Samad
Content written by Commodore Naseem Ghafoor (Rtd) (verbatim as provided):
THE CHARISMATIC - REAR ADMIRAL MOHAMMAD ABDUL SAMAD (P.NO. 506)
It was summer of 1964 when a young, newly promoted Lieutenant Commander joined the Officers Training School (OTS) at P N S KARSAZ as the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Midshipmen and Cadets undergoing Engineering Degree Courses. He immediately drew attention with his charismatic personality, immaculately dressed in sparkling white Dress No.3, coupled with his very polite and pleasing mannerisms.
This smart and iconic Lieutenant Commander was none other than Mohammad Abdul Samad, who later rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. Not only was he the first Rear Admiral in the Electrical branch but was the youngest as well as the longest serving officer in the rank of Rear Admiral. He is top of the list of being first in so many ways. He was the first cadet entry officer to join the Electrical branch of the Royal Pakistan Navy in September 1952, and also the first cadet entry officer appointed as Electrical Officer of a destroyer. This list of being first to his credit is a mile long spread over his illustrious service spread over nearly four decades.
Coming back to the OTS days in KARSAZ, some fire crackers were thrown at night through the window of a room occupied by a senior Midshipman who was disliked for his sneezy habits. The next day our SDO, Lieutenant Commander M A Samad mustered all the Midshipmen in the verandah outside his office. Unlike many seniors who start shouting and threatening, he did not lose his cool. His words were carefully chosen, the tone leveled as he walked from one end to the other end of the lined up Midshipmen. His words went deep down to the heart. He wanted to know who was responsible for this mischief. Suddenly, three of the Midshipmen took a step forward in unison. The rest were dismissed. It was then when Lt Cdr Samad addressed the three midshipmen that the true “officer and gentleman” manifested itself. There was a peculiar grace even in his anger. The three were given 14 days Routine Charlie. Two months later at the end of the term, the three were again summoned by him, this time to let them know that they were given TOP marks in Officer- Like- Qualities (OLQ). Just for record out of the three, one made it to the rank of Rear Admiral, the other retired as a Commodore and the most adventurous among them left the navy very early. After that incident he has remained a respected role model for so many technical officers of the navy.
Lieutenant Commander Samad inculcated a sense of pride in his subordinates by his impeccable personality. This wonderful trait went along with him as he rose up the ladder to the Flag rank. Admiral Samad can be attributed with unlimited virtues but his forte lies in his honest and fair dealings, his very affectionate and pleasing personality. He was to the Electrical branch what Admiral H H Ahmed was to the Operation branch or perhaps even more as Admiral Samad not only heralded the era of cadet trained electrical officers but later as a senior officer carved the career pattern of electrical officers in the navy. He held all the senior appointments like DNWE, GMD, Drafting Authority, COMLOG and DCNS (M).
Any writing on Admiral Samad will not be complete without mentioning that from the date of his marriage till the time of his retirement, Admiral MA Samad and Begum Dr Sajida Samad were the most elegant couple in the navy. Together they brought up their very brilliant sons Arif and Azhar.
My salute to Admiral Samad; I always loved saluting him because his response was always so very heart warming. It reflected his noble and dignified personality. He was an epitome of an officer and a gentleman.
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