Irish naval history was made in Galway today when a female officer was appointed to command a ship for the first time.
Lieutenant Commander Roberta O'Brien from Co Tipperary took command of the LE Aisling at a ceremony in Galway, the city with which the ship is twinned.
31-year-old Lt Cdr O'Brien is from the Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, but has strong family connections to the naval service.
Her mother comes from Haulbowline Island, Cork harbour, where naval headquarters is based. Her grandfather and uncle were members of the naval service, which she joined as a cadet in 1995.
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.
