The Indian Navy is set to make history as it assigns women sailors to its recently commissioned guided-missile destroyer, INS Imphal. Expected in February-March 2024, this marks a significant stride, with INS Imphal becoming the country’s first warship equipped with distinct accommodation for both male and female officers and sailors.
Commissioned on December 26, INS Imphal boasts separate mess facilities for males and females to ensure privacy. With a crew capacity of 360, including 20 women, the warship provides berthing facilities for eight women officers and 12 Agniveers, complete with attached washrooms.
Sub Lieutenant Anjali Mohapatra, the deputy logistics officer on board, currently stands as the sole woman serving on INS Imphal. The 24-year-old officer made history as the first woman to be part of a warship’s commissioning crew in the navy’s annals.
Commanding Officer Captain Kamal Kumar Choudhury affirmed the warship’s readiness to adapt to the increasing numbers of women in service. “We can convert nearby messes into berthing areas for women if need be,” he stated.
The navy’s first women Agniveers, enrolled under the Agnipath scheme, are undergoing training, including sentry duties at various naval installations. Sub Lieutenant Anjali Mohapatra expressed satisfaction with the designated berthing space, emphasizing its importance amid ongoing changes within the navy.
With women officers already serving on warships, the introduction of separate berthing facilities for women sailors on INS Imphal reflects the navy’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.
