New Delhi: It is a historic moment in the Indian Naval Aviation history that two women officers will join the Navy from the frontline. The two women officers–Sub Lieutenant Kumudini Tyagi and Sub Lieutenant Riti Singh, have been appointed to join as “Observers” (Airborne Tacticians) in the helicopter stream. They will be the first set of women airborne combatants who would be operating from warships.
This a milestone when it comes to women Indian force. Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed wing aircraft that took off and landed ashore.
These officers, Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh, are a part of a group of 17 officers of the Indian Navy, including four women officers and three officers of the Indian Coast Guard (13 officers of Regular batch and 04 woman officers of Short Service Commission batch) who were awarded “Wings” mmmmm graduating as “Observers” at a ceremony held on September 21 at INS Garuda, Kochi.
Rear Admiral Antony George, said’while complementing the graduating officers highlighted the fact that it is a landmark occasion wherein for the first-time women are going to be trained in helicopter operations which would ultimately pave way for the deployment of women in frontline warships of Indian Navy’
The ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Antony George NM, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Training) who presented the awards and coveted wings to the graduating officers. The Lieutenant Hitesh Singh from 91st Regular Observer Course was awarded the Uttar Pradesh Trophy on being adjudged ‘First in the Overall Order of Merit’ while Lt Anuj Kumar was awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Trophy for being adjudged ‘Best in Flying’.