Eastern Naval Command chief awards ‘wings’ to Naval pilots at INS Rajali

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 7 (ANI): Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command reviewed the passing out parade of the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course and awarded the prestigious “Golden Wings” to Naval pilots on Friday
According to an official statement, the passing out parade was held to mark the graduation of the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) and completion of Stage I training of the 04th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC) at Naval Air Station, INS Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamilnadu.

21 officers, including three officers from 03 BHCC were awarded the prestigious “Golden Wings” by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. Additionally, three Officers of the 04 Basic Conversion Course (BCC) completed their Stage I training.
The Passing out parade marked the successful culmination of an intensive 22-week Training programme encompassing rigorous flying and ground training at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the alma mater of all helicopter pilots of the Indian Navy.

Highlighting the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity and expanding Career opportunities for women, SLt Anamika B Rajeev created history by graduating as the ‘First Woman Naval helicopter pilot. Lt Jamyang Tsewang, the first Commissioned Naval Officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh also successfully graduated as a qualified helicopter pilot.
The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC Rolling Trophy for the trainee pilot standing First in Order of Merit in FIying was awarded to Lt Gurkirat Rajput. Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for standing First in Order of Merit in Ground Subjects was awarded to Lt Nitin Sharan Chaturvedi. Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for first in overall order of merit was awarded to Lt Deepak Gupta.

In its rich heritage spanning more than five decades, Helicopter Training School has trained 849 pilots of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard as well as friendly foreign Nations. The Helicopter Training School is located at INS Rajali, Arakkonam presently commanded by Commodore Kapil Mehta and the Helicopter Training School is commanded by Commander Archesh.

The Squadron’s safe and conducive training environment coupled with meticulous planning and execution ensures completion of the course ‘On time, Every Time’. The newly qualified pilots of 102 HCC will be appointed to various front-line operational units of the Indian Navy where they will take on diverse missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, Search and Rescue, and anti-piracy. The Officers of 04 BHCC having completed Stage – (I) training, will be retained for Stage – (II) training at Helicopter Training School. (ANI)