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).
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]
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.
Dhingra was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2019 and the Chief of the Naval Staff Commendation Card in 2004.
Vishisht Seva Medal | Samanya Seva Medal | Operation Vijay Medal | Operation Parakram Medal | |
Sainya Seva Medal | 75th Independence Anniversary Medal | 50th Independence Anniversary Medal | 30 Years Long Service Medal | |
20 Years Long Service Medal | 9 Years Long Service Medal |