Vice Admiral Rahul Vilas Gokhale has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command, as announced by the Indian Navy on Friday. Specializing in Navigation and Direction, Gokhale began his new role on October 1.
Previously, he led the Western Fleet, marked by a distinguished career. An alumnus of renowned defense institutes, his roles have ranged from Executive Officer of INS Kora to Commanding Officer of INS Khukri and INS Kolkata. His expertise extends to being the Fleet Operations Officer of the Eastern Fleet.
VAdm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, YSM, NM, assumed charge as the Chief of Staff #WNC on 01 Oct 25.
VAdm Gokhale was commissioned on 01 Jan 92 and is an alumnus of #NDA, Khadakwasla, #DSSC, Wellington, @InNwc and @ADC_Australia.
A Navigation and Direction specialist, he has… pic.twitter.com/uG6KJ3Dxph— Western Naval Command (@IN_WNC) October 3, 2025
Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar assumes charge of Andaman & Nicobar Command
Gokhale’s diplomatic tenure included serving as Naval Adviser in Islamabad, Pakistan, and commanding INS Circars, a significant establishment on the Eastern Seaboard, before rising to Flag Rank.
(With inputs from agencies.)
