Major reshuffle in Navy: Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi to be new Vice Chief

PTC News Desk: A series of new appointments have resulted in a major reshuffle in the Indian Navy's top brass. Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, the Western Naval Commander, will take over as the force's new Vice Chief on January 4 next month.

The Vice Chief of Naval Staff is in charge of the force's modernization, and Vice Admiral Tripathi will take over the position when critical acquisitions such as MQ-9B Predator drones and Rafale fighter jets take place.

Vice Admiral Tripathi will succeed Vice Admiral SJ Singh, who is being transferred to command the Western Navy, headquartered in Mumbai, after serving as Vice Chief for approximately 9 months.

The current commander of the Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Admiral Hampiholi, is retiring at the end of this month and will be replaced by Vice Admiral Srinivas.

The Navy will also get a new Chief of Material, as Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, the current officer in charge, is retiring and will be replaced by Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh.

Deshmukh is currently the Controller Warship Production and Acquisition at the naval headquarters.