| Post: | Navy Master Chief Petty Officer |
| Incumbent: | Dilbahadur Chhetri, VSM MCERA I, |
| Incumbentsince: | 29 June 2023 |
| Type: | Advisor |
| Abbreviation: | Navy MCPO |
| Reports To: | Chief of the Naval Staff |
| Appointer: | Chief of the Naval Staff |
| First: | Rajendra Kumar Behera, MCPO I |
The Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (Navy MCPO) is a unique non-commissioned position of office of the Indian Navy. The holder of this position is the most senior rating of the Indian Navy, equivalent to the Indian Air Force Master Warrant Officer (IAF MWO).[1]
The Navy MCPO is appointed by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) to foster seamless communication between CNS and sailors. The current Navy MCPO is Dilbahadur Chhetri, MCERA I, VSM.
The first Navy MCPO was appointed by the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar. Rajendra Kumar Behera, MCPO I was appointed the first Navy MCPO on 1 May 2022.[2] The appointment of a senior enlisted leader serving as advisor to the CNS was to ensure seamless integration, effective communication and drive the change for a future-proof Indian Navy.[3] The Navy MCPO holds the crucial mantle of fostering seamless communication between the CNS and sailors.
The Navy MCPO retains their rank and wear the insignia of Master Chief Petty Officer. In addition, they were the aiguillettes presented by the CNS.[4]
| S.No | Photo | Name | Rank | Assumed office | Left office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajendra Kumar Behera | MCPO I | 1 May 2022 | 30 June 2023 | First Navy MCPO.[5] | |
| 2 | Dilbahadur Chhetri, VSM | MCERA I | 30 June 2023 | Present | Current Navy MCPO.[6] | |