Maritime Self-Defense Force Captain Miho Otani Monday became the first woman to take the head one of Japan’s Aegis destroyers, Japan Times reported.

“I expect you to pursue our missions without hesitation,” Otani, 48, told the 300-member crew of the Myoko at the MSDF’s Maizuru Base in Kyoto Prefecture.

“It is a great honor to become the first female captain (of an Aegis destroyer). I would like to think about how we can make this trend a norm as I believe an increasing number of women will enroll from now on.”

By the way, earlier, women were also allowed to become combat aircraft pilots.