17/11/2008

First Woman Takes Command Of Naval Vessel

A Galway woman is set to make Irish naval history after being appointed to command a ship for the first time.

Lieutenant Commander Roberta O'Brien from Co Tipperary will be given command of the offshore Patrol Vessel LE Aisling at a ceremony in Galway.

Lt Cdr O'Brien, from the Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, has strong family connections to the naval service with her grandfather and uncle both members of the naval service, which she joined as a cadet in 1995.

The vessel was notable for being instrumental in the apprehension of the Marita Anne in 1984, which stopped after warning shots were fired and which was found to be carrying a significant quantity of arms and ammunition.

She has served in various appointments and was the first female instructor in the Naval Cadet School. Her brother and sister are serving with the army and she is married to an army officer.

When Lt Cdr O'Brien joined the navy she opted for being a deck officer rather than an engineer, so that she could one day command a ship.

(DW)


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