New Delhi: Two women aviators have joined the navy, a first in the armed forces that comes as the air force debates whether to allow women fighter pilots.
Sub Lieutenant Seema Rani Sharma and Sub Lieutenant Ambica Hooda were inducted on Friday into the navy’s Naval Aviation unit 56 years after it was set up.
They will serve as observers — essentially airborne tacticians — on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
Seema and Ambica were picked for short-service commission initially and put through a naval orientation course at the Indian Naval Academy, followed by a stint at the Observer School at INS Garuda in Kochi.
“This is a great and proud moment for us, including our instructors and parents,” Ambica, who hails from Haryana, said after the two women were awarded the “Wings” by Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai during a ceremonial parade at INS Garuda.
04/12/15 PTI/News World India
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Sub Lieutenant Seema Rani Sharma and Sub Lieutenant Ambica Hooda were inducted on Friday into the navy’s Naval Aviation unit 56 years after it was set up.
They will serve as observers — essentially airborne tacticians — on Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
Seema and Ambica were picked for short-service commission initially and put through a naval orientation course at the Indian Naval Academy, followed by a stint at the Observer School at INS Garuda in Kochi.
“This is a great and proud moment for us, including our instructors and parents,” Ambica, who hails from Haryana, said after the two women were awarded the “Wings” by Rear Admiral Sudhir Pillai during a ceremonial parade at INS Garuda.
04/12/15 PTI/News World India