Vice Adm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, YSM, NM, assumed charge as the Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, Mumbai, on 01 October 2025. The officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Naval War College, Goa and the Australian Defence College, Canberra. A specialist in Navigation and Direction, his command appointments include Executive Officer of INS Kora and Commanding Officer of IN Ships Khukri and Kolkata. In addition, he has also been Fleet Operations Officer of the Eastern Fleet.

His staff tenures include duties at the Directorate of Naval Plans, Directorate of Foreign Cooperation and Directorate of Personnel at Naval Headquarters. He has also served as the Naval Adviser at the Indian High Commission at Islamabad, Pakistan. The officer commanded INS Circars, the premier and oldest establishment on the Eastern Seaboard, prior being promoted to Flag Rank.

As the Flag Officer Sea Training, he was responsible for Operational Training of all sea going platforms. He thereafter served as Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development) at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi and commanded the Western Fleet of the Indian Navy prior assuming duties of the Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command.

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Edgar Coelho / Parshuram Kor

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