3 women pilots fly a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, create history

Three women pilots created history when they flew a maritime reconnaissance aircraft over the Arabian Sea making their sortie a first all-women flight in the Indian Coast Guard.

Three women pilots created history when they flew a maritime reconnaissance aircraft over the Arabian Sea making their sortie a first all-women flight in the Indian Coast Guard.

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"Recently, a Dornier reconnaissance aircraft had taken off in the skies of Daman and adjoining Arabian Sea with all women crew comprising assistant commandants Neetu Singh Bartwal, Neha Murudkar and Shristi Singh. This flight was a maiden all-women flight in the force," a defence ministry release said.

This achievement was possible with passing out of first Short Service Entry (observers) course comprising three women officers who had undergone long drawn training in various Naval and Coast Guard establishments for qualifying as an air borne tactician.

"These women officers had toiled long hours gaining proficiency in handling Dornier aircraft and sensors for safeguarding the maritime borders of India. During this mission the crew flew over one hour and landed safely," the ministry said.

The first all-women flight has not only brought laurels to the Indian Coast Guard but also to the women fraternity proving exceptional skills and commitment to the nation, it said.