Commander of the Fleet: Meet the Woman Leading One of Israel’s Most Lethal Warships
In a historic operational milestone, Lieutenant Commander "Resh" has been appointed as the first female officer to command a Sa’ar 4.5 missile warship in the Israeli Navy.
The Israeli Navy is set to witness a historic turning point tomorrow as it welcomes the first female officer to command a frontline missile ship. Lieutenant Commander "Resh," a seasoned veteran of recent maritime campaigns, will officially take the helm of a Sa’ar 4.5-class missile boat during a handover ceremony that marks a major shift in the military’s command structure. This appointment is not merely a symbolic gesture but a recognition of high-level operational excellence, as the vessel she will lead has been at the forefront of the most significant naval engagements in recent years. The Navy has stated that this promotion reflects its unwavering commitment to professionalism and the integration of talented commanders into its elite operational units, regardless of gender.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Lieutenant Commander "Resh" began her journey in the military in 2016, enrolling as a naval cadet in the prestigious Israeli Naval Academy. Over the past decade, she has consistently risen through the ranks by demonstrating exceptional leadership in high-pressure environments. Before this historic appointment, she served as the deputy commander of a missile ship and commanded a Dvora-class patrol boat within the 916th Patrol Squadron, which is responsible for securing Israel’s southern maritime borders against terrorist infiltrations and smuggling.
Her transition to the Sa’ar 4.5 fleet comes after she proved her capabilities in numerous tactical roles. The Sa’ar 4.5 is a cornerstone of Israeli naval power, equipped with advanced surface-to-surface missiles, sophisticated electronic warfare suites, and air defense capabilities. Commanding such a vessel requires an intimate knowledge of complex weapons systems and the ability to lead a diverse crew in the heat of battle, qualities that "Resh" has exhibited throughout her service.
At the Heart of the War
The warship that Lieutenant Commander "Resh" will command carries a formidable legacy of combat success. Over the last two years, the vessel has been instrumental in several high-profile missions that reshaped the regional balance of power. This includes the decisive destruction of the Syrian regime’s naval fleet in December 2024, an operation that neutralized maritime threats from the north. Furthermore, the ship played a critical role in the targeted killing of senior Hamas terrorist official Ismail Barhoum in March 2025 and the elimination of a top Hezbollah aerial commander in November 2024.
Beyond offensive operations, the vessel has served as a vital shield for the Israeli coastline, performing multiple interceptions of hostile drones and missiles launched by regional proxies. As she prepares to take command, Lieutenant Commander "Resh" inherits a ship that has already proven its lethality against terrorists and enemy state actors alike. In an era where maritime security is more critical than ever, her leadership will be essential in maintaining the Navy's edge during the ongoing war. This promotion serves as a testament to the fact that in the Israeli Navy, the only criteria for command are skill, bravery, and the ability to protect the nation’s shores.
