Commander Prerna Deosthalee: Trailblazing First Woman to Command an Indian Navy Warship Inspiring Story 2025

School Education: Building the Foundation

Convent of Jesus and Mary

Mumbai

Demonstrated excellence in academics, sports, and leadership; built the foundation for a future military career.

Higher Education: Psychology and Leadership

St. Xavier’s College

Mumbai

Obtained a postgraduate degree in Psychology; developed understanding of human behavior and decision-making; strengthened leadership and team management in high-stress naval environments.

Academic Highlights & Struggles

• During her postgraduate studies, the Indian Navy opened observer positions to women for the first time. Encouraged by her father, she applied and cleared the entrance exam.

• Her academic foundation in psychology helped shape her leadership style, crisis management skills, and interpersonal acumen in her naval roles.

• She balanced athletics, extracurriculars, sports (swimming, tennis) with academics during school and college days.

Naval Training: From Cadet to Commander

Training Phase	Details
Commission Year	July 2009
Entry Branch	Naval Air Observer
Initial Training	Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
Specialized Training	Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare
Aircraft Training	Tupolev Tu-142, Boeing P-8I Poseidon
Command Training	Command Course for Commanding Officers
Permanent Commission	Granted in 2020 (11 years after commissioning)

Commander Prerna Deosthalee’s educational journey reflects a perfect blend of academic excellence and rigorous military training, preparing her for the multifaceted challenges of naval command.

Career Timeline: From Observer to Commander – A Historic Journey

Year-wise Career Milestones

Year	Position/Achievement	Significance
2009	Commissioned as Naval Air Observer	Beginning of illustrious naval career
2010-2015	Served on Boeing P-8I Poseidon	Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare operations
2016	First Female Observer on Tupolev Tu-142	Breaking barriers in maritime reconnaissance
2016-2020	Operational deployments	Multiple naval exercises and real-time missions
2020	Granted Permanent Commission	Recognition of exemplary service and potential
2021-2023	First Lieutenant (Deputy Executive Officer), INS Chennai	Second-in-command of Kolkata-class destroyer
December 2023	Appointed Commanding Officer, INS Trinkat	First woman to command Indian Navy warship
2024-Present	Commanding Officer, INS Trinkat	Operational readiness and mission execution
November 2024	Historic sibling command milestone	Commands warship alongside brother Commander Ishan
August 2025	Featured on Kaun Banega Crorepati Independence Day Special	National recognition and public inspiration

Major Achievements & Recognition: Shattering Multiple Glass Ceilings

No.	Historic First / Achievement	Year	Description / Details	Significance / Role
1	First Woman to Command Indian Navy Warship	2023	In December 2023, Commander Prerna Deosthalee was appointed Commanding Officer of INS Trinkat, becoming the first woman officer to command an Indian naval warship. The appointment letter was handed over by Rear Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet.	– Operational readiness of the vessel – Mission planning and execution – Leadership of the crew – Tactical decision-making – Maintenance and technical oversight
2	First Female Observer on Tupolev Tu-142	2016	Became the first female observer on the Tupolev Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft — a long-range patrol and anti-submarine warfare platform.	Broke gender barriers in naval aviation; required high technical expertise and endurance.
3	Service on Boeing P-8I Poseidon	—	Served as a Naval Air Observer on the Boeing P-8I Poseidon, an advanced maritime patrol aircraft with state-of-the-art sensors, weapons, and communication systems.	Conducted anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and maritime surveillance.
4	First Lieutenant of INS Chennai	—	Served as First Lieutenant (Deputy Executive Officer) on INS Chennai, a Kolkata-class destroyer.	Second-in-command position involving administrative, operational, and leadership duties; key preparation for command role.
5	Historic Sibling Command Achievement	2024	In November 2024, Commander Prerna Deosthalee and her brother Commander Ishan Deosthalee became the first brother-sister duo to simultaneously command Indian Navy warships.	First sibling pair in Indian Navy history to achieve simultaneous warship command.

Awards and Honors

Year	Award/Recognition	Description
2016	Commendation by Naval Chief	For being first female Tu-142 observer
2020	Permanent Commission	Recognition of exceptional service
2023	National Media Recognition	First woman warship commander coverage
2024	Pride of the Nation	Sibling command achievement
2025	KBC Independence Day Special Guest	Invited by Amitabh Bachchan as national hero

Breaking Barriers: Commander Prerna Deosthalee’s Role in Gender Equality

Section	Content
Philosophy	The “All Roles – All Ranks” Philosophy
Key Point	Commander Prerna Deosthalee’s appointment as commanding officer reflects the Indian Navy’s progressive “all roles – all ranks” philosophy for female personnel.
Description	This policy ensures that women officers have equal opportunities to serve in all operational roles, breaking traditional barriers that once limited their career progression.
Indian Navy’s Role	The Indian Navy has been at the forefront of gender integration among Indian armed forces. Commander Prerna Deosthalee exemplifies the success of this progressive approach.
Significance	Her achievements demonstrate that when given equal opportunities, women can excel in the most demanding and traditionally male-dominated fields.
Section	Impact on Future Generations
Inspiration	Commander Prerna Deosthalee’s success has inspired thousands of young women to consider careers in the armed forces.
Message	Her story proves that:
Key Takeaways	• Gender is not a barrier to excellence • Women can lead in high-pressure combat environments • Military service offers meaningful career opportunities for women • Family responsibilities can be balanced with professional ambitions • Breaking stereotypes requires courage, competence, and persistence

Command Responsibilities: Leading INS Trinkat

Section	Details
Ship Name	INS Trinkat (T61)
Class	Trinkat-class patrol vessel
Designed For	– Fast attack operations – Coastal defense – Anti-infiltration operations – Maritime surveillance – Quick response missions
Commanding Officer	Commander Prerna Deosthalee
Responsibilities	Operational Duties: – Strategic planning for patrol missions – Threat assessment and response – Coordination with other naval assets – Real-time tactical decision-making – Maritime law enforcement Administrative Leadership: – Crew welfare and morale – Training and skill development – Resource management – Disciplinary matters – Performance evaluation Technical Oversight: – Vessel maintenance standards – Weapons systems readiness – Communication equipment functionality – Navigation systems accuracy – Safety protocols compliance

Financial Information: Commander Prerna Deosthalee

Financial Aspect	Estimated Details
Monthly Salary	₹1,30,000 – ₹1,50,000 (Commander rank with allowances)
Annual Income	₹15,60,000 – ₹18,00,000
Net Worth	₹50 lakhs – ₹1 crore (estimated through years of service)
Allowances	Sea going allowance, Command allowance, Special duty allowance
Pension Benefits	Indian Navy pension scheme after retirement
Other Benefits	Medical facilities, housing, travel allowances, canteen facilities

Financial Philosophy: Like most dedicated naval officers, Commander Prerna Deosthalee serves the nation with pride rather than financial motivation. Her focus remains on operational excellence and inspiring the next generation of women warriors.

Career Philosophy & Leadership Vision: The Prerna Deosthalee Way

Section	Theme	Description
Career Philosophy & Leadership Vision	The Prerna Deosthalee Way	Commander Prerna Deosthalee exemplifies a leadership style rooted in excellence, courage, and inclusivity within the Indian Navy.
Core Leadership Principles	1. Lead by Example	As a commanding officer, Prerna demonstrates that leadership begins with personal excellence. She upholds high standards of professionalism, fitness, and technical competence, inspiring her crew to follow suit.
	2. Embrace Challenges	She consistently takes on demanding roles, including becoming the first female observer on the Tu-142 and commanding a warship—showcasing her fearless attitude toward career advancement.
	3. Continuous Learning	With a postgraduate degree in Psychology and advanced naval warfare training, she emphasizes lifelong learning to stay ahead in an evolving operational environment.
	4. Team Building and Empowerment	Prerna prioritizes teamwork and ensures that every crew member understands their role and feels valued, fostering unity and operational efficiency.
	5. Balance and Resilience	She effectively balances the rigors of a naval career with personal life, exemplifying resilience and inspiring working women everywhere.
Vision for the Future	Future Goals	– Greater integration of women across all naval specializations – Enhanced operational capabilities through diversity – Mentorship programs for aspiring women officers – Recognition based purely on merit and capability – Continued modernization of the Indian Navy

Recent Developments (2024-2025): Current Activities

Category	Details
Operational Command of INS Trinkat	As of October 2025, Commander Prerna Deosthalee continues to command INS Trinkat, ensuring operational readiness and executing critical maritime missions along India’s western coastline.
Key Roles of INS Trinkat	• Coastal security operations • Anti-piracy patrols • Maritime surveillance • Quick response to security threats • Coordination with Coast Guard and other naval assets
Historic Sibling Command	Date: November 2024 Details: Commander Prerna Deosthalee and her brother Commander Ishan Deosthalee simultaneously commanded warships — INS Trinkat and INS Vibhuti, respectively. Both serve under the Western Naval Command, marking a proud moment for the Indian Navy.
National Recognition	Date: August 2025 Event: Appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati – Independence Day Special alongside other women warriors from Operation Sindoor. Impact: Inspired millions of viewers, especially young girls, to pursue ambitious dreams.
Continued Excellence	Reports from the Indian Navy highlight that under Commander Prerna Deosthalee’s leadership, INS Trinkat maintains exceptional operational standards, successfully completes missions, and exhibits high crew morale, reflecting her effective leadership.

Administrative Positions and Career Progression

Positions Held by Commander Prerna Deosthalee

Period	Position	Organization/Ship	Key Responsibilities
2009-2010	Naval Air Observer	Training Establishments	Initial operational training
2010-2015	Observer	Boeing P-8I Poseidon	Maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare
2016	Observer	Tupolev Tu-142	Long-range reconnaissance, First female observer
2016-2020	Various Operational Roles	Different Naval Air Squadrons	Operational deployments, exercises
2021-2023	First Lieutenant	INS Chennai (Kolkata-class destroyer)	Second-in-command, administrative leadership
Dec 2023-Present	Commanding Officer	INS Trinkat (Fast Attack Craft)	Complete command responsibility

Detailed Biography Section

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

Born in [Hometown], Prerna grew up with a strong sense of purpose. Raised in a family that valued education and discipline, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams from an early age. From childhood to young adulthood, she was always driven by a desire to serve the country.

Educational Struggles and Achievements

The path to the Indian Navy wasn’t always easy. Commander Prerna faced challenges in balancing academics and rigorous physical training, but she never let obstacles stand in her way. Each challenge became an opportunity for growth.

Commander Preparation Journey

Preparing to become an officer in the Indian Navy requires determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s defense. Commander Prerna’s story is a reminder that the toughest journeys often lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Key Career Milestones

Prerna’s career includes many pivotal moments, each marking a new phase of responsibility and leadership. Her rise through the ranks is not just a reflection of her talent, but also her dedication to making a difference in the Navy.

Landmark Projects (e.g., People’s Road for Armstrong Pame)

One of the standout projects in Commander Prerna’s career was her leadership in the [specific project/mission], a project that demonstrated her exceptional organizational and strategic capabilities.

Recent Developments (Latest Year)

As of [Latest Year], Commander Prerna continues to contribute to the Navy in various capacities. Whether it’s through leadership in major operations or her involvement in shaping the Navy’s future, she remains a crucial figure.

Lessons & Inspiration: For Aspirants and Officers

For those who aspire to follow in Commander Prerna’s footsteps, her story is one of persistence, sacrifice, and unyielding ambition. Her journey reminds us that success comes through dedication, and greatness is achieved by constantly pushing beyond limits.

Conclusion: Legacy and Future Vision

Commander Prerna Deosthalee’s legacy is just beginning to take shape. With a career that continues to inspire and an impact that will resonate for years to come, she is a true testament to the power of perseverance and leadership.

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 FAQ 

Q: What is the current position of Commander Prerna Deosthalee?

A: She is the Commanding Officer of INS Trinkat, a fast attack craft under the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.

Q: Is she married?

A: Yes — she is married to a naval officer.

Q: Does she have children?

A: Yes — she has one daughter.

Q: When was she commissioned in the Indian Navy?

A: In 2009 she began her service as a naval Observer.

Q: What is her “rank” or career designation?

A: She is the rank of Commander in the Indian Navy.

Q: What significant “firsts” has she achieved?

A: First woman in Indian Navy to command a warship (INS Trinkat).

First female observer on TU-142.

Part of the first brother-sister duo to simultaneously command warships.

Q: What was her UPSC / selection rank?

A: There is no public record of a UPSC exam rank; she entered via defense / observer stream.

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