Vice-Admiral Dinesh Tripathi appointed next Navy Chief

The government has appointed Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. The current Chief of Staff is Admiral R. Will take charge on April 30 after the retirement of Hari Kumar.

Vice-Admiral Tripathi, born on 15 May 1964, was commissioned into the executive branch of the Indian Navy on 1 July 1985. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy (VCNS).

A communications and electronic warfare expert, Vice-Admiral Tripathi has had a long and distinguished service of nearly 39 years. Before assuming charge as VCNS, he served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

Vice-Admiral Tripathi has served in various command, staff and instructional appointments. He has commanded INS 'Vinash', 'Kirch' and 'Trishul'.

He has also held various important operational and staff appointments, including Fleet Operations Officer Western Fleet, Director Naval Operations, Principal Director Network Centric Operations and Principal Director Naval Planning at New Delhi.

As Rear Admiral, he served as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. He also served as the Commandant of the prestigious Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and Chief of Personnel at NHQ.

An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and NDA Khadakwasla, Vice-Admiral Tripathi has completed courses at DSSC Wellington, Naval War College, Goa and Naval War College USA.

He has been decorated with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Nau Sena Medal (NM).