Prerna Devasthali Became the First Commanding Officer of the Indian Navy

First Commanding Officer of the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has appointed Prerna Devasthali as the commanding officer of the naval ship. For the first time in the Navy, a woman has been made the commanding officer of the Navy's Fast Attack Craft Boat. The Indian Navy has taken this decision in keeping with the objective of the Indian Armed Forces to provide opportunities to all personnel regardless of caste, creed, religion and gender.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar said that the role of women in the Navy is increasing rapidly. Women are being appointed to all roles on the basis of rank. He told that Prerna Devasthali has been appointed in this connection.

Who is Prerna Devsthali?

Devasthali, who received her education at the Convent of Jesus and Mary and is originally from Mumbai, holds a master's degree in psychology from St. Xavier's College. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2009 and his brother is also a member of the Navy. He served as the First Lieutenant of the battleship INS Chennai. In December 2023, she became the first woman to be the commanding officer of an Indian Naval warship, after being appointed as the Commander of INS Trinket.

Increasing role of women in Indian Navy

Admiral Kumar proudly announced that the total number of women in the Navy, known as Agniveers, has crossed the 1,000 mark.
This achievement underlines the Navy's commitment to the 'All Roles, All Ranks' approach, reflecting the diverse deployment of women in various responsibilities within the organisation.

Indian Navy

The Indian Navy is the maritime wing of the Indian Army, which with its glorious history of 400 years is the protector of not only the Indian maritime boundaries but also the Indian civilization and culture. The Indian Navy has 67,252 active personnel and 75,000 reserve personnel and a fleet of 150 ships and submarines and 300 aircraft. The President of India is the commander of this army. Presently Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar (R. Hari Kumar) is the Chief of Naval Staff of India. He has held this post from 30 November 2021.