New Delhi: The Navy celebrated a historic moment as it welcomed its first woman helicopter pilot, Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev, during the passing out parade at INS Rajali Naval Air Station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, held Friday.
Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev distinguished herself as the first woman officer to graduate as a naval helicopter pilot — marking a significant stride towards the Navy’s vision of a gender-agnostic force.
In another feat, Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang became the first Commissioned Naval Officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh to graduate as a qualified helicopter pilot at the same ceremony.
The passing out parade marked the end of a rigorous 22-week training programme at Indian Naval Air Squadron 561 — the Helicopter Training School — which included comprehensive flying and ground training.
The event signified the successful completion of the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) and Stage I training for the fourth Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC). BHCC is for new pilots entering the service, while HCC is for experienced pilots who are already trained at the Air Force Academy on fixed-wing aircraft but are looking to take up/convert to helicopter flying.
Vice-Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, presented the ‘Golden Wings’ to 21 officers, including three from the third BHCC. Additionally, three officers from the fourth BHCC completed their Stage I training, the Navy said in a statement Saturday.
The Navy announced that pilots from the 102 HCC will be deployed to various operational units for missions, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue operations and anti-piracy efforts. Officers from the fourth BHCC who completed Stage I training will proceed to Stage II at the Helicopter Training School.
Over the past five decades, the Helicopter Training School — commanded by Commander Archesh — has trained 849 pilots for the Navy, the Coast Guard and allied foreign nations. The school is located at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, which is currently commanded by Commodore Kapil Mehta.
(Edited by Richa Mishra)
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