Ravi Kumar Dhingra Explained

Honorific Prefix:Rear Admiral
R. K. Dhingra
Honorific Suffix:VSM
Serviceyears:1992 – present
Rank: Rear Admiral
Commands:Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area
INS Vajrabahu


Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra, VSM (born 25 July 1970) is a serving Flag officer in the Indian Navy. He currently serves as the Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area. A submariner, he earlier served as the Commodore Commanding Submarines (West).

Naval career

Dhingra graduated from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1992. He joined the submarine arm in 1994 and is a specialist in Navigation and Direction.[1] After his specialisation, he served as the Navigating Officer of the Vela-class submarine and the Sindhughosh-class submarine .[2]

Dhingra attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He has a Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies and an M.Phil in Strategic Studies from the University of Mumbai. In his staff appointments, Dhingra has served as Staff Officer (Operations) and Commander Submarines at the submarine base INS Vajrabahu.[3]

Dhingra has commanded the Vela-class submarine . He served as the executive officer of the Sindhughosh-class submarine . He subsequently commanded her sister-boat . Dhingra also commanded the Godavari-class guided missile frigate .[4] During his command tenure, Gomati was adjudged the 'Most Spirited Ship' of the Western Fleet in 2018.[5] For his command of Gomati, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 January 2019.[6]

As a Commodore, Dhingra was appointed Commodore Commanding Submarines (West) (COMCOS (W)). As COMCOS, he also dual-hatted as the Commanding Officer INS Vajrabahu, and commanded the 10th submarine squadron and the 11th submarine squadron. He subsequently served as the Principal Director Submarine Operations at naval headquarters.[7]

Flag rank

Dhingra was promoted to flag rank and was appointed Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Naval Area (FOTNA). As FOTNA, he is responsible for the operations and administration of all units and establishments in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Awards and decorations

Dhingra was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2019 and the Chief of the Naval Staff Commendation Card in 2004.

Vishisht Seva MedalSamanya Seva MedalOperation Vijay MedalOperation Parakram Medal
Sainya Seva Medal75th Independence Anniversary Medal50th Independence Anniversary Medal30 Years Long Service Medal
20 Years Long Service Medal9 Years Long Service Medal

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rear Admiral Ravi K Dhingra takes charge . The Times of India . 8 September 2023 . 27 April 2023.
  2. Web site: Change of Command - Flag Officer Commanding TN and P Naval Area Indian Navy . indiannavy.nic.in . 8 September 2023.
  3. Web site: Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra Assumes Charge as the Fotna . sainiksamachar.nic.in . 8 September 2023.
  4. Web site: Two Indian ships take part in UAE-India naval exercise . gulfnews.com . 8 September 2023 . en . 18 March 2018.
  5. Web site: https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/979635095626633218 . X (formerly Twitter) . 8 September 2023 . en.
  6. Web site: Distinguished Service and Gallantry Award Winners on Republic Day 2019 . pib.gov.in . 8 September 2023.
  7. Web site: Rear Admiral Ravi Kumar Dhingra takes over as Flag Officer Commanding TN & Puducherry Naval Area . Navjeevan Express . 8 September 2023 . 26 April 2023.