For the first time in the history, Indian Navy has appointed Commander Prerna Deosthalee as the first woman officer of the Indian Navy to command Indian Naval Warship, the Indian Navy's Western Fleet. The announcement came after Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar had said the Indian Navy has appointed its first woman commanding officer in a naval ship in sync with its philosophy of ‘all roles-all ranks' for female personnel.
Who is Commander Prerna Deosthalee?
Commander Prerna Deosthale, who joined Indian Navy in 2009, is presently the First Lieutenant of warship INS Chennai, the Indian Navy said.
A native of Mumbai, Prerana Deosthali was also appointed as the commanding officer of INS Trinkat based in Goa. “She was recently presented the appointment letter by Western Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Praveen Nair on being selected as Commanding Officer of Waterjet FAC INS Trinkat,” the Navy said.
According to media reports, Lieutenant Commander Prerana is the first lady Observer on Tupolev Tu-142, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft followed a stint on the P8I, also a reconnaissance aircraft.
Lieutenant Commander Prerana is reportedly a post graduate in psychology from St Xaviers College. She schooled at the Convent of Jesus and Mary. She is married to a naval officer and has a three-year-old daughter. Her brother is also a naval officer.
According to reports, Lt Cdr Deosthalee will undergo pre-commission training before taking over the command of the INS Trinkat.
At present, the Indian Navy has around 750 woman officers including medical and dental officers.
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