Navy Master Chief Petty Officer

For the Royal Navy equivalent, see Warrant Officer of the Naval Service. For the USN equivalent, see Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. For the RAN equivalent, see Warrant Officer of the Navy.

The Navy Master Chief Petty Officer (Navy MCPO) is a unique non-commissioned position of office of the Indian Navy. The holder of this position is the most senior rating of the Indian Navy, equivalent to the Indian Air Force Master Warrant Officer (IAF MWO).^[1]

Navy Master Chief Petty Officer
Incumbent Dilbahadur Chhetri, VSM MCERA I, since 29 June 2023
Indian Navy
Type	Advisor
Abbreviation	Navy MCPO
Reports to	Chief of the Naval Staff
Appointer	Chief of the Naval Staff
Formation	1 May 2022; 3 years ago (2022-05-01)
First holder	Rajendra Kumar Behera, MCPO I

The Navy MCPO is appointed by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) to foster seamless communication between CNS and sailors. The current Navy MCPO is Dilbahadur Chhetri, MCERA I, VSM.

Origin

The first Navy MCPO was appointed by the 25th Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar. Rajendra Kumar Behera, MCPO I was appointed the first Navy MCPO on 1 May 2022.^[2] The appointment of a senior enlisted leader serving as advisor to the CNS was to ensure seamless integration, effective communication and drive the change for a future-proof Indian Navy.^[3] The Navy MCPO holds the crucial mantle of fostering seamless communication between the CNS and sailors.^[4]

Insignia

The Navy MCPO retains their rank and wear the insignia of Master Chief Petty Officer. In addition, they wear the aiguillettes presented by the CNS.^[4]

List of officeholders

No.	Portrait	Name (born–died)	Term of office			Ref.
			Took office	Left office	Time in office
1		MCPO I Rajendra Kumar Behera	1 May 2022	30 June 2023	1 year, 60 days	[5]
2		MCERA I Dilbahadur Chhetri, VSM	30 June 2023	Incumbent	2 years, 28 days	[6]