Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi assumed command of the Indian Navy as the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff. He succeeds Admiral R. Hari Kumar who retires upon superannuation after over 40 years of service.

“The existing and emerging challenges in the maritime domain mandate the Indian Navy to remain operationally ready to deter potential adversities at sea in peace and to ‘win the war at sea’ when asked to do so,” Admiral Tripathi said speaking to the media after inspecting a guard of honour on South Block lawns. “That will remain my singular focus and endeavour.”

“I will also strengthen the ongoing efforts of the Indian Navy towards aatma nirbharbharta, towards new technologies and becoming an important pillar of nation’s development towards our collective quest for Viksit Bharat,” he said, adding, “My priority will be to upskill our human resource i.e. the men and women of our Navy and provide them with the best armament, training, professional environment and administrative support.”

A communication and electronic warfare specialist, he has served on frontline warships of the Navy as signal communication officer and electronic warfare officer and later as the executive officer and principal warfare officer of the guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. His sea commands include INS Vinash, Kirch and Trishul.

On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at Naval headquarters and as the flag officer commanding eastern fleet. On promotion to the rank of Vice Admiral, he has served as commandant of the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala; Director General of naval operations and Chief of Personnel in New Delhi and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command at Mumbai.

He was the Vice Chief of Naval Staff , prior taking over as Navy Chief

Source: The Hindu