Admiral Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani

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Category: Chiefs of Naval Staff

Published: Thursday, 30 October 2008 00:00

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Admiral R H Tahiliani, PVSM, AVSM
CNS, 30 Nov 1984 - 30 Nov 1987

Admiral Radhakrishna Hariram Tahiliani assumed charge of the Indian Navy, as the 11th Chief of Naval Staff, on 30 November 1984. Born on 12 May 1930, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy's naval aviation branch on 01 September 1950. A qualified test pilot, his major commands at sea include INS Trishul and aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

On elevation to the rank of Rear Admiral in December 1977, Admiral Tahiliani assumed charge of Flag Officer Goa Area and later as Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF). Subsequently, he served in Naval HQ as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (ACNS) and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) and was the first incumbent when the latter post was elevated to that of a Vice Admiral.

In February 1982, Admiral Tahiliani was appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command. In March 1983, he was appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Naval Command and served in this capacity for a year, till he was appointed as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) in May 1984.

Admiral Tahiliani has the rare distinction of having been the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of two Naval Commands. He is a graduate of the Naval War College, USA and the National Defence College, New Delhi. He is a recipient of the Param Vashisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his distinguished service. He retired on 30 November 1987, after completing nearly 37 years of service.