The recent passing of Lieutenant Gillian Malouw, the first woman to navigate a submarine in Africa, marks the loss of a trailblazer within the maritime industry. This historic achievement was regrettably brought to an abrupt end during a submarine operation in Cape Town that claimed the lives of three Navy crew members and left others injured. In this tribute, we delve into the life and accomplishments of Lieutenant Malouw, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to the naval field.