Robin K. Dhowan Explained

Honorific Prefix:Admiral
Robin K. Dhowan
Birth Name:Rabinder Kumar Dhowan
Honorific Suffix:PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC
Allegiance: India
Office:22nd Chief of the Naval Staff
Termstart:17 April 2014
Termend:31 May 2016
Serviceyears:3 May 1975 – 31 May 2016
President:Pranab Mukherjee
Primeminister:Narendra Modi
Predecessor:Devendra Kumar Joshi
Successor:Sunil Lanba
Commands:Eastern Fleet

INS Ranjit
INS Khukri
Awards: Param Vishist Seva Medal
Ati Vishist Seva Medal
Yudh Seva Medal
Spouse:Minu Dhowan

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]

Military career

Dhowan 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. He was commissioned an acting sub-lieutenant on 3 May 1975.[3]

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 .

From 2002 to 2005, he was the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission at London.

Flag rank

After 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.[5]

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.[6] [4]

Personal life

Admiral Dhowan is married to Minu Dhowan, and the couple have a daughter and two sons.[7]

He plays golf and does yachting.[4]

Awards

Param Vishisht Seva MedalAti Vishisht Seva MedalYudh Seva MedalSpecial Service Medal
Operation Vijay StarOperation Vijay MedalOperation Parakram MedalVidesh Seva Medal
50th Anniversary of Independence Medal25th Anniversary of Independence Medal30 Years Long Service Medal
20 Years Long Service Medal9 Years Long Service Medal

References

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Notes and References

  1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Robin-Dhowan-takes-over-as-Navy-chief/articleshow/33850269.cms#1 Robin Dhowan takes over as Navy chief
  2. http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/mod-moves-files-for-appointing-dhowan-as-new-navy-chief/#2 MoD moves files for appointing R K Dhowan as new Navy Chief
  3. News: Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Navy Branch) . 705 . 24 May 1975 . The Gazette of India.
  4. News: Meet Robin K Dhowan, India's new Navy Chief. 18 April 2014. NDTV. 18 April 2014.
  5. Web site: R.K. Dhowan assumes charge as Naval Vice-Chief . The Hindu . 1 September 2011 . 27 January 2016.
  6. News: Admiral R.K. Dhowan appointed new Navy chief. 18 April 2014. The Hindu. 18 April 2014.
  7. Web site: Admiral Robin Dhowan is new Chief of Naval Staff. Indian Navy. 18 April 2014.