First woman to assume Croatian naval warship command
The Croatian Navy (HRM) now has its first-ever female commander at the helm of one of its warships, and not just any ship, but the top class Kralj Petar Krešimir RTOP (Fast Attack Missile Ship). Frigate Lieutenant Antonija Didović is a thirty-year-old native of Korčula, who on her way to becoming the first female to command a Croatian naval vessel successfully passed all of the steps involved in the demanding professional training. This includes the maritime studies at Dubrovnik University and officer training in Split, where she was awarded the dean's honour for graduating top of her class in maritime studies. Lieutenant Didović told us that her assignment to one of the top naval commands is her crowning achievement on a path that started in Dubrovnik and Split, where she graduated from maritime trade school, and continued at the university level at the Faculty of Maritime Studies. "When the Croatian Armed Forces sought out young professionals from the maritime field I did not hesitate. I joined the Croatian Navy five years ago, after completing basic officer training in Split, immediately assuming command of a ship's armed detachment. I spent two years at the post of RTOP 1st officer, and three days ago I assumed command of this vessel," says Lieutenant Didović. She says that the experience she gained while serving as 1st officer on the Kralj Petar Krešimir missile boat is of enormous benefit to her, just as her colleagues and Rear Admiral Ante Urlić consider her to be an invaluable addition to the fledgling Croatian Navy. The young Lieutenant enjoyed a particularly warm encounter with Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, with Didović saying that the Prime Minister was steering the national helm in precisely the same manner that she wished to steer her warship. "I remembered the Prime Minister when I assumed command of this warship. One thing immediately flashed through my mind, and that was the strong hand with which she is leading the country and the great responsibility she has in leading Croatia. I believe that we will soon be able to realize our joint desire, and that is to take the Prime Minister on a short cruise on the missile boat" said Lieutenant Dodivić. The Prime Minister commented the assigning of Lieutenant Didović to command the Kralj Petar Krešimir fast attack ship saying, "This is an historic moment which shows that gender equality legislation is beginning to be consistently implemented." (Vjesnik - Dobrila Stella)
