S. Korean navy to appoint first female officer to lead high-speed boat

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Navy plans to appoint a female officer to command a high-speed boat in operation for the first time, officials said Monday. "We're reviewing a plan to name a female captain to command our Chamsuri boat patrolling the South Sea," a high-ranking military source said, referring to a 150-ton patrol vessel. "This year, we will bring aboard a female officer on a trial basis." According to the source, Adm. Choi Yun-hee, the Navy's chief of staff, briefed Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin on this plan last week. Long term, the Navy plans to appoint female officers to command larger vessels also, a Navy official said. "It's a significant development to give female officers the opportunity to command a high-speed patrol ship," the official said. "Such experience will give them new perspectives on leadership and help them develop skills to manage crises and contingencies." There are about 190 female officers in the Navy's combat duties, according to the Navy. The Chamsuri boat, equipped with naval guns, machine guns and anti-submarine depth charges, can carry 27 sailors. The Navy plans to phase out about 70 Chamsuri-level ships starting in 2015 and replace them with next-generation high-speed boats armed with guided weapons. (END)