[Editorial] Another female first

“Chamsuri,” meaning sea eagle, is the nickname of Navy’s high-speed patrol craft responsible for guarding the coast of the republic. A standard 170-ton Chamsuri attack craft with 20 personnel on board is equipped with a 40 mm gun, two Vulcan cannons, two 12.7 mm machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles. In incessant naval clashes with North Korean forces, Chamsuri patrol craft have demonstrated their superior combat abilities.

The Navy appointed two female officers as skippers of Chamsuri craft patrolling the waters off the Jinhae Naval Base on the south coast. Navy Lieutenant (equivalent to Army captain) Hong Yu-jin, 35, now commanding PKM 287 and Lt. Ahn Hyo-ju, 32, operating PKM 286 became the first female commanding officers of combat vessels in the 64-year history of the Republic of Korea Navy.

In a country that now has women at the top of the ruling and main opposition party hierarchies, it may not be too significant to have first female patrol craft skippers. But, considering that the Navy first admitted female cadets into the Korea Naval Academy as late as in 1999 ― including Ahn ― the appointments are much to be congratulated on. In the ROK Air Force, the first female officer piloted a fighter jet in 2002 and fighter units now have women flight leaders patrolling the Korean airspace.

As women power increases in diverse areas of society, the Navy was not particularly behind the times when it decided to assign female combat craft commander only in 2012. This was because of the highly demanding nature of the service, requiring long duties at sea commanding male personnel.

Ahn is married to Lt. Jeong Wan-hi, her naval academy classmate, who now skippers another Chamsuri patrolling the northwestern sea. They can meet only when they synchronize their leaves of absence, a considerable sacrifice of their personal lives which is generally required for couples in public service.

As more and more women advance to professional areas long dominated by men, including the military, law enforcement and foreign services, their respective organizations face the task of developing personnel systems to minimize difficulties in married life while providing equal opportunities for women to exhibit their capabilities. There are limits to resolve problems at the individual level. At the moment, we just appreciate the dedication of the new female Chamsuri skippers who will have to overcome much personal hardship.