All-Women Navy Crew Completes Historic Arabian Sea Surveillance Mission

An all-women naval crew created history by independently completing their first-ever surveillance and reconnaissance mission over the Arabian Sea. They are a part of INAS-314, the frontline Naval Air Squadron based in Porbandar, Gujarat.

The women of the crew who led the mission were Lt Cdr Aanchal Sharma (Captain of the aircraft), Lt Shivangi (pilot), Lt Apurva Gita (pilot), SLt Pooja Shekhawat (Air Operations Officer) and Lt Pooja Panda (Air Operations Officer). This news was shared on Twitter on August 4 by SpokespersonNavy.

Statement Issued By Navy

Image Courtesy: Twitter/indiannavy

In a statement, the Navy said that crew officers went through months of ground training and comprehensive mission briefing before carrying out this ‘historical sortie’.

Since the Navy has been running at the front to drive transformation in the armed forces, the statement further shared the limelight on their women empowerment initiatives, including the selection of women Air Operations Officers and induction of women pilots into the helicopter stream. These initiatives also comprised conducting an all-women sailing circumnavigation expedition across the globe in 2018.

The Arabian Sea surveillance mission was a one-of-a-kind military flying mission. The Navy said it is expected to pave the way for more women officers in the aviation cadre to take on greater responsibilities and challenging roles.

“It was indeed a mission that showcased “Nari Shakti” in its real spirit,” it further stated.

Women Officers In The Navy

Image Courtesy: Twitter

In 2009, the Navy was the first service to open its gate for women to join as Navigators. Sub Lieutenants Seema Rani Sharma from Uttar Pradesh and Ambica Hooda from Haryana were also honoured with their ‘wing’ at the passing out parade.

The job description of a navigator also includes training of combatant. The fixed-wing aircraft they fly can be used for fighting with the enemy. Not many know, but maritime patrol aircraft can also fire.

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In May 2018, a military team of six officers became the first all-women crew to circumnavigate the globe. It was also Asia’s first women's team. The eight-month long expedition was fun and had a few hard bits, shared Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi.

Combating high waves and hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean, these women were out in the sea for 254 days in INSV Tarini. They covered about 21,600 nautical miles while halting at five ports in Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falklands), Fremantle (Australia), Cape Town (South Africa) and Port Louis (Mauritius).

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Then Defence Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman said, “The women of this country have shown that it is possible for the youngsters if they want to do something, they can indeed do it by showing commitment, grit and dedication.”