7 hours ago
18 Navy officers complete helicopter pilot training
As many as 18 Indian Navy officers, including one woman, graduated as pilots from the Helicopter Training School at INS Rajali in Arakkonam on Monday. Sub-Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey became the second woman helicopter pilot of the Indian Navy.
According to a press release, the graduating officers were presented the coveted 'Golden Wings', an award that marks them as helicopter pilots. The awards were given by Vice-Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. They took part in a passing out parade, marking the successful completion of their 22-week intensive flying and ground training at the school in the Indian Naval Air Squadron-561.
Vice-Admiral Pendharkar said a naval pilot's skill was tested at sea and in the sky. Handling this required a deep commitment, he added. He told the graduating pilots that they should wear the 'Golden Wings', not as decoration but as a proof of discipline, focus, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 'The wings represent the Navy's faith in its pilots, and a sign that they are now a part of a rich naval legacy,' Vice-Admiral Pendharkar said.
