The Royal Navy's First Woman Captain of a Ship

She's taking command of the HMS Portland.

The first woman to command a major Royal Navy warship is taking up her post.
Britain's Ministry of Defense says Commander Sarah West will take control of the frigate HMS Portland Tuesday.
The 40-year-old has served in the Royal Navy for 16 years.
The ship is being refitted and will be based in Devonport.
Officials say women first went to sea with the Royal Navy in 1990 and have served as pilots and mine clearance divers in addition to other posts.

The home page of the HMS Portland.

HMS Portland is currently in an upkeep period at Babcock’s Rosyth dockyard undergoing an upgrade and maintenance programme, including some significant upgrades and improvements to maintain the ship at peak effectiveness. Among the upgrades that Portland will receive during this substantial refit are the new DNA(2) Command System (key to the ship's fighting capability against air, surface and underwater threats); the new Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) (DII(F)), enabling information sharing and collaborative working across the defence sector network; the fit of Sonar 2087 (the tactical variable depth active and passive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system), the SeaWolf mid-life update (SWMLU) comprising tracking, guidance and weapon management upgrades to counter evolving anti-ship missile threats; the 4.5 Mk8 Mod1 gun replacement; and new 30mm automatic gun fit.HMS Portland has spent most of 2011 in UK waters providing a platform to allow the crucial training of future Principle Warfare Officers, Navigators and Aircrew.

HMS Portland is scheduled to leave Rosyth for sea trials in autumn 2012 before returning to her home port of Devonport prior to Christmas.

HMS Portland spent most of 2011 conducting maritime security of UK waters and providing a platform to allow the crucial training of future Principle Warfare Officers, Navigators and Aircrew.

By: Brant