Mumbai, 19 April 2024

 

The eighth Training Expedition as part of preparation for All Women Around the World Blue Water Sailing (BWS) Expedition, scheduled later this year in September 2024, concluded on 17 Apr 23 at Marve, Mumbai. The team comprising of 12 Women Officers of Indian Army, Navy & Air Force was flagged in by Lt Gen A K Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, Pune. This event is being planned and conducted under the aegis of Army Adventure Wing (AAW) and Army Aqua Nodal Centre (AANC) of College of Military Engineering (CME).

The crew is undergoing numerous long & short distance training expeditions aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) MANYU VIR to build up the proficiency required to undergo such an onerous adventure. Training Expedition VIII was flagged off from Marve, Mumbai on 23 March 24 to Naval Detachment, Androth, Lakshadweep. A team of 12 brave women warriors from tri-services including seven Indian Army, one Indian Navy & four Indian Air Force officers successfully completed the arduous Mumbai-Lakshadweep-Mumbai sailing expedition. The team braved the mighty oceans, varying wind conditions, sweltering heat and choppy waters continuously during the sailing. This epic adventurous journey spanned over a period of 27 days boosting the women sailors’ confidence and giving them a head start to achieve their final goal of circumnavigation. The expedition was conducted in four legs as under: -

Leg1.  Marve (Mumbai) – INS Kadamba (Karwar).
Leg2. INS Kadamba – INS Dweeprakshak (Kavaratti).
Leg3. INS Dweeprakshak - INS Kadamba.
Leg4. INS Kadamba - Marve (Mumbai).

The completion of this sailing expedition embarked upon by women warriors stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and resilience over the course of the journey, spanning vast stretches of the Arabian Sea, and have showcased exemplary teamwork, navigational prowess, and adaptability to varying sea conditions. Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant CME flagged in the expedition at Mumbai on successful culmination of the expedition to Lakshadweep & back.

This historic expedition, first of its kind, marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime heritage and aims to break down the geographical & cultural barriers, fostering sense of unity & camaraderie among the crew. It also celebrates teamwork and resonates women empowerment through adventure. The treacherous expedition is a test of their physical and mental fortitude, while cultivating a sense of empowerment and sisterhood that will last a lifetime among the valiant women sailors. Despite encountering challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns and technical complexities, the team successfully completed the voyage, demonstrating their capability to overcome obstacles with grace and fortitude. Their journey not only exemplifies the spirit of adventure but also underscores the significance of fostering inclusivity and diversity within maritime endeavors. These brave woman warriors have so far completed more than 6000NM of watermanship training individually in the form of expeditions & routine training activities.

 

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(Source: PRO Def, Mumbai) | PIB Mumbai | SC/ DR

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