New Chief Admiral RK Dhowan says Navy will bounce back

RK Dhowan

New Navy chief Admiral RK Dhowan has the formidable task of restoring confidence in the force after assuming office amid admittedly unsavoury circumstances on Thursday. Within hours of his taking over, the Western Naval Command, known as the Navy's sword arm, became headless.

Vice-Admiral Shekhar Sinha, known as the 'Grey Eagle' for being the longest serving naval aviator, landed in New Delhi on Thursday and handed over his papers requesting voluntary retirement after being superseded by Dhowan.

Defence Ministry sources on Friday said the request would be processed.

The need to restore confidence within the force was underlined in Dhowan's first Information General (or message from the chief of naval staff). A series of accidents, including two major submarine disasters, has necessitated the need to re-visit safety procedures. Dhowan said rather than living in fear, the Navy should ensure that procedures are followed diligently and safety audits are strictly put in place.

The new chief acknowledged the backlash faced by the Navy due to a few lapses, but he asserted that the force is capable of bouncing back with professionalism. He stressed on abiding by rules and regulations and demanded due diligence in incorporating lessons learnt to take the entire team forward as one unit. Apart from accidents that have plagued the Navy in recent months, the new chief also has to overcome long pending issues like inordinate delays in procuring new equipment. The Navy has virtually run out of helicopters and its submarine arm is in disarray. These issues, however, can only be taken up after the formation of a new government.

Dhowan became the chief in unexpected circumstances. He would have retired on May 31 as vice-chief of naval staff if Admiral DK Joshi had not resigned on February 27, taking moral responsibility for the accidents. Dhowan's elevation to the top post has now changed the Navy's succession chain. He, however, is known to have excelled in his long career during which he held several key positions.

FIRST INFORMATION GENERAL

The chief of naval staff, in his first message, has underlined the need to restore confidence within the force.

Dhowan said rather than living in fear, the Navy should ensure that procedures are followed diligently and safety audits strictly put in place.

The new Navy chief acknowledged the backlash faced by the Navy due to a few lapses, but asserted that the force is capable of bouncing back.

He said the ship is a team; and officers, men and civilians working in the Navy will have to take it forward as one unit.