On June 7, 2024, the Naval Air Station INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, hosted a significant event as it conducted the passing out parade for the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) and marked the completion of stage I training of the 4th Basic Helicopter Conversion Course (BHCC). The ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, who awarded the prestigious “Golden Wings” to 21 officers.
This event not only underscored the rigorous 22-week training program that included both flying and ground training at Indian Naval Air Squadron 561 but also celebrated notable achievements in diversity and inclusivity within the Navy.
Sub Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev made history as the first woman Naval helicopter pilot to graduate, while Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang became the first commissioned Naval officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh to qualify as a helicopter pilot.
The parade also recognized outstanding achievements among the trainees. Lieutenant Gurkirat Rajput received the FOCinC, Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for standing first in the Order of Merit in Flying. Lieutenant Nitin Sharan Chaturvedi was awarded the Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for excellence in ground subjects, and Lieutenant Deepak Gupta earned the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for being first in Overall Order of Merit.
Helicopter Training School, a cornerstone of Indian Naval aviation training located at INS Rajali, has a rich heritage of over five decades during which it has trained 849 pilots from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign nations. Presently led by Commodore Kapil Mehta with Commander Archesh at the helm of the training school, the institution is renowned for its high standards and effective training protocols.
The graduates of the 102 HCC will now be assigned to various frontline operational units of the Indian Navy, where they will engage in critical missions including reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-piracy operations. Meanwhile, the officers of the 04 BHCC who have completed their Stage I training will continue to Stage II, further honing their skills to meet the demanding requirements of naval aviation.
The ceremony at INS Rajali was not just a celebration of the successful completion of rigorous training but also a testament to the evolving dynamic of the Indian Navy in embracing diversity and pushing the boundaries of excellence in military aviation.
