Rumen Nikolov

Vice Admiral Rumen Nikolov was born on 9 February 1957 in Tervel, Bulgaria.

Education:

1976 - Secondary education completed in Varna, Bulgaria;
1976-1981 – “Nikola Vaptsarov” Naval Academy;
1989-1991 - Naval Academy, Russia;
2003-2004 – “G. S. Rakovski” National Defence College, Sofia.

Military Career:

1981-1982 - Commander of Combat Unit-1 of anti-submarine ship in 1st Squadron of anti-submarine ships of Varna Naval Base;
1982-1984 - Commander of Combat Unit-2 and 3 of anti-submarine ship in 1st Squadron of anti-submarine ships of Varna Naval Base;
1984-1987 - Assistant Commander of anti-submarine ship in 1st Squadron of anti-submarine ships of Varna Naval Base;
1987-1989 - Commander of anti-submarine ship in 1st Squadron of anti-submarine ships of Varna Naval Base;
1989-1991 – Student at the NavalAcademy of Russia;
1991-1992 - Senior Assistant Chief for Operational and Tactical Training of Operational and Combat Training Section at the HQ of Varna Naval Base;
1992-1994 - Senior Assistant Chief for Operational and Tactical Training of Operations Department, Navy HQ;
1994-1996 - Senior Assistant Chief for Operational and Tactical Training and for Interaction with Land Forces and Air Force, Operations Department, Navy HQ;
1996-1997 - Senior Assistant Chief for Operational and Tactical Training and for Interaction with Land Forces and Air Force, Operations Department, Operational Training and Forces Command and Control Directorate, Navy HQ;
1997-2001 - Commander of Patrol Boat Squadron of Varna Naval Base;
2001-2002 - Deputy Commander of Varna Naval Base;
2002-2003 - Deputy Commander for Forces Training of Varna Naval Base;
2003-2004 – Student at “G. S. Rakovski” National Defence College, Sofia;
2004-2006 - Chief of Operations Directorate, Navy HQ;
2006-2009 - Commander of Varna Naval Base;
2009-2011 - Deputy Chief of the Bulgarian Navy
2011- Deputy Commander of the Bulgarian Navy
2011-2014 - Commander of the Bulgarian Navy
2014 – Chief of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria

Promotions:

1981 - Second Lieutenant;
1984 - First Lieutenant;
1988 - Lieutenant;
1993 - Lieutenant Commander;
1996 - Commander;
1999 - Captain;
2007 - Brigadier Admiral;
2009 - Commodore;
2011 – Rear Admiral;
2014 – Vice Admiral

Awards and Decorations:

Pistol;
Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service under the Colours -3rd Class;
Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service under the Colours -2nd Class;
Cold Steel Naval Dirk.;
Medal of Honour of the MoD “St. George the Victor” – 1st Class.

Foreign Languages:

Vice Admiral Nikolov is fluent in English and Russian.

Marital Status:

Married, with two children.