Meet India's new Navy Chief Robin K Dhowan

New Delhi: 59-years-old Admiral Robin K Dhowan became the 22nd Naval Chief, but his 25-month-long tenure will be keenly watched for the steps he takes to restore the glory of the force. He assumed office on 17 April 2014.In the past 9 months, there have been 11 accidents aboard Indian Navy assets, including three submarines.A navigation and direction specialist, Admiral Dhowan has never headed any operational command, but has held key positions and staff appointments during his career.He was commissioned in Indian Navy on January 1, 1975. Before the appointment of Naval Chief he held the position of Vice Chief of naval Staff in the navy since August 2011.During his career he held various appointments including command of missile corvette INS Khukri, guided missile destroyers INS Ranjit and INS Delhi and Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF).He also took various staff assignments include key posts like Deputy Chief of Naval Staff and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at the headquarters in New Delhi, Commandant of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Indian Naval Adviser at the High Commission of India, London and Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Headquarters of Western Naval Command.He has undergone various courses in India and abroad, including the Sea Harrier Direction course at Yeovilton in the United Kingdom, and the Naval Command Course at Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA.A navigation and direction specialist, he is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA. He has also commanded the Eastern Fleet as Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet and served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.He was honoured with a telescope on being recognised as the Best Cadet of the ship. He was later awarded the 'Sword of Honour' on completion of Midshipman training.