Chief Petty Officer Hwang Ji-hyun [Photo courtesy of Naval Operations Command]

The Republic of Korea Navy has its first female Chief Petty Officer.

The Naval Operations Command announced on the 28th that Chief Petty Officer Hwang Ji-hyun was appointed as the Chief Petty Officer of the Maritime Operations Headquarters.

Chief Petty Officer Hwang has forged her path by setting numerous "firsts," including being the first female non-commissioned officer to serve as a training platoon leader after enlisting as the 211th class of naval non-commissioned officers in 2006, and being the first in the ship division to be promoted to Chief Petty Officer and then to Master Chief Petty Officer.

Specializing in radar (electronic detection), she has served on major combat ships such as the destroyers Gwanggaeto the Great, Munmu the Great, and Choe Yeong.

Based on her diverse experience on various vessels, she is recognized for her contributions to maritime operations.

Chief Petty Officer Hwang stated, "I have challenged myself with the thought that if I achieve my dream, I can become someone else's dream," and added, "As Chief Petty Officer, I will focus on unit management to ensure that unit members possess warrior spirit and can complete their missions."