CHENNAI: The Indian Navy got its first woman helicopter pilot when sub-lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev passed out after completing a helicopter conversion course at the Helicopter Training School (HTC) in INS Rajali, Arakkonam, on Friday.
Anamika was among the trainees who took part in a passing out parade marking the graduation of two courses - helicopter conversion course and Stage I training of 04th basic helicopter conversion course.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, presented the Golden Wings to Anamika Rajeev and 20 officer cadets at the passing out parade.
The wings symbolise the successful culmination of an intensive 22-week training programme encompassing rigorous flying and ground training at the Helicopter Training School.
Speaking at the passing out parade, Pendharkar said, "The helicopter stream of our air arm is one of its most demanding but formidable dimensions. Demanding - because the pilots will need to bring all their acquired skill and proficiency to operate safely from a small deck at sea which, unlike the bases ashore, is going to be moving in all three dimensions. Formidable - because modern helicopters are highly potent platforms that significantly augment the firepower and combat potential of the platform from which they operate."
The Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for standing first in order of merit in ground subjects was awarded to Sub Lieutenant Nitin Sharan Chaturvedi. The best in flying rolling trophy was awarded to Lt Gurkirat S Rajput.
Lt Deepak Gupta was awarded the coveted The Governor of Kerala rolling trophy for first position in the overall order of merit.
The HTS has trained 849 pilots from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard and armed forces of friendly foreign nations.
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