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Who Is Prerna Deosthalee? First Woman To Command Indian Navy Warship

Commander Prerna Deosthalee creates history as the first woman to command an Indian Navy warship, INS Trinkat, marking a milestone in gender diversity.
authorImageNigam Sharma4 Dec, 2023
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Who Is Prerna Deosthalee? First Woman To Command Indian Navy Warship

Who Is Prerna Deosthalee: Commander Prerna Deosthalee becomes the first woman to command an Indian Naval Warship Commander Prerna Deosthalee has created history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Navy warship. Rear Admiral Praveen Nair, Western Fleet commander, officially appointed her to command the water jet fast attack craft INS Trinkat stationed on the western seaboard. Currently serving as the First Lieutenant on the warship INS Chennai, this milestone further highlights her remarkable career in the Indian Navy.

First Woman To Command Indian Navy Warship

Commander Prerna Deosthalee becomes the first woman to assume command of an Indian Navy warship. This groundbreaking achievement showcases the Indian Navy's commitment to gender diversity and the "all roles–all ranks" philosophy for its female personnel. Currently serving as the First Lieutenant of INS Chennai, Commander Deosthalee's exceptional leadership has given her the historic responsibility of commanding the Indian Naval Warship, a testament to her dedication and capabilities within the naval forces. Her appointment marks a significant step toward inclusivity and equal opportunities within the armed forces.

Who is Commander Prerna Deosthalee?

Commander Prerna Deosthalee, a pioneer in the Indian Navy, has written history by becoming the first woman officer to take command of an Indian Navy warship. She was presented with the appointment letter by Rear Admiral Praveen Nair, the Western Fleet Commander, marking a significant moment in the Navy's commitment to promoting gender equality in all roles and ranks. Let's look into a brief profile of Commander Prerna Deosthalee, highlighting her remarkable journey and accomplishments within the Indian Navy.
  • Commander Prerna Deosthalee joined the Indian Navy in 2009.
  • Hailing from Mumbai, her remarkable journey in the navy includes being the first lady Observer on Tupolev Tu-142, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, and serving on the P8I reconnaissance aircraft.
  • Her dedication and achievements have earned her the prestigious role of Commanding Officer of Waterjet FAC INS Trinkat, a significant milestone in her career.
  • Commander Prerna Deosthalee's academic background includes a postgraduate degree in psychology from St. Xavier's College.
  • Born and schooled in Mumbai at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, she is not only a trailblazer in her professional life but also a devoted wife to a naval officer and a mother to a three-year-old daughter.
This historic appointment not only marks a momentous occasion for Commander Prerna Deosthalee but also signifies a progressive step towards gender equality and inclusivity within the Indian Navy.

Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar appointed the first woman to command Indian Naval Warship

On 1st Dec, 203, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar declared the historic appointment of the first woman officer to lead a warship, signifying a groundbreaking moment for the Indian Navy. This accomplished officer, recognized as a proficient navigation instructor, has played an important role in training Navy observers. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first woman officer to serve as an observer aboard the Navy's Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft. As per sources, Lt Cdr Deosthalee is scheduled to undergo pre-commission training before assuming command of the INS Trinkat. Currently, the Indian Navy comprises approximately 750 women officers, consisting medical and dental officers. Addressing a press conference ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Kumar said on Friday, "We also appointed the first woman commanding officer of an Indian naval ship. It has been our effort to constantly challenge the status quo to ensure that the navy remains on an aspirational and dynamic trajectory into the future." He further added that more than 1,000 women agniveers have been incorporated into the Indian Navy this year. "... I want to say that with the third batch, which has just been inducted, we have now crossed over 1000 women affiliates in the navy," he added.

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First Woman To Command Indian Navy Warship FAQs

Q1. Who is Commander Prerna Deosthalee?

Ans. Commander Prerna Deosthalee is the first woman officer to command an Indian Navy warship, with a distinguished career and significant achievements in the naval forces.

Q2. What is Commander Prerna Deosthalee's background?

Ans. Hailing from Mumbai, Commander Prerna Deosthalee joined the Indian Navy in 2009, holds a postgraduate degree in psychology from St. Xavier's College, and has served as the First Lieutenant on INS Chennai.

Q3. Why is Commander Prerna Deosthalee's appointment significant?

Ans. Commander Prerna Deosthalee's historic appointment as the first woman to command an Indian Navy warship reflects the Navy's commitment to gender diversity and equal opportunities in all roles and ranks.

Q4. What is INS Trinkat, and why is it significant?

Ans. INS Trinkat is a water jet fast attack craft stationed on the western seaboard, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee's command over it is a groundbreaking milestone in naval history.

Q5. How many women officers are currently in the Indian Navy?

Ans. The Indian Navy currently comprises approximately 750 women officers, including medical and dental officers, showcasing a growing trend of gender inclusion.
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