Admiral Rabinder "Robin" Kumar Dhowan PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC was the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. He assumed office on 17 April 2014, succeeding Admiral D.K. Joshi.[1][2][3]
Robin K. Dhowan | |
---|---|
22nd Chief of the Naval Staff | |
In office 17 April 2014 – 31 May 2016 | |
President | Pranab Mukherjee |
Prime Minister | Narendra Modi |
Preceded by | Devendra Kumar Joshi |
Succeeded by | Sunil Lanba |
Personal details | |
Born | Rabinder Kumar Dhowan |
Spouse | Minu Dhowan |
Awards | Param Vishist Seva Medal Ati Vishist Seva Medal Yudh Seva Medal |
Military service | |
Allegiance | India |
Branch/service | Indian Navy |
Years of service | 3 May 1975 – 31 May 2016 |
Rank | Admiral |
Commands | Eastern Fleet INS Delhi INS Ranjit INS Khukri |
Military career
editDhowan graduated from the National Defence Academy (45th Course, Charlie squadron) on 1 January 1975. He was honoured with a "telescope" for being the "Best Cadet", and was later awarded the 'Sword of Honour' on completion of his midshipman training.[4] He was commissioned an acting sub-lieutenant on 3 May 1975.[5]
He is a "Navigation and Direction" specialist, and during his career he has commanded the missile corvette INS Khukri, and guided missile destroyers INS Ranjit and INS Delhi.
From 2002 to 2005, he was the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission at London.
Flag rank
editAfter his elevation to flag rank, he served in various staff and instructional assignments. He was the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) (ACNS P&P) in the Integrated Headquarters (Navy) and then commanded the Eastern Fleet.
He also served as the Chief of Staff at Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam and the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Western Naval Command.[4] He then took charge as the Commandant of the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, and later served as a Deputy Chief of Naval Staff.
He was appointed the Vice Chief of Naval Staff in August 2011.[6]
He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA, and has completed the Sea Harrier Direction course in the U.K.[3][4][7]
Personal life
editAdmiral Dhowan is married to Minu Dhowan, and the couple have a daughter and two sons.[7]
He plays golf and does yachting.[4]
Awards
editReferences
edit- ^ Robin Dhowan takes over as Navy chief The Times of India
- ^ MoD moves files for appointing R K Dhowan as new Navy Chief The Indian Express
- ^ a b "Admiral R.K. Dhowan appointed new Navy chief". The Hindu. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Meet Robin K Dhowan, India's new Navy Chief". NDTV. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
- ^ "Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch)". The Gazette of India. 24 May 1975. p. 705.
- ^ "R.K. Dhowan assumes charge as Naval Vice-Chief". The Hindu. 1 September 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
- ^ a b "Admiral Robin Dhowan is new Chief of Naval Staff". Indian Navy. Retrieved 18 April 2014.