Public Servant Lifestyle

A Scots-based female Naval officer has taken charge of the largest Royal Navy (R.N) vessel to be commanded by a woman yet.

Lieutenant Charlotte Atkinson RN is the new commanding officer of HMS Brecon, one of eight vessels that form the Third Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCM3), based at HM Naval Base Clyde. This unit is arguably one of the most diverse in the Royal Navy, with responsibility and capability to conduct Mine Clearance, Fishery Protection and Northern Ireland Patrol duties, for which three of the Hunt class vessels - including the Brecon - have been specially modified.

Pictured (right): Lieutenant Charlotte Atkinson (RN), Officer Commanding HMS Brecon.

Charlotte - or Charlie - who joined the Royal Navy in 1994 after graduating from the University of Swansea, is now responsible for the safe and effective operation of the 60 metre long, 10.5 metre wide, 750 tonne vessel, and the welfare of a ship?s company of 45 officers and ratings. She is 33 years of age and is the only female on board.

During its Northern Ireland duties, Charlotte leads the Brecon team in its patrols of the coast of the province working to prevent the smuggling of explosives or firearms, by boarding and searching merchant vessels and fishing boats in the Irish Sea and North Channel.

Female Royal Navy officers and ratings have served at sea since 1990 on equal terms with their male counterparts. Currently 9% of the total Royal Navy is female but the proportion of females entering the RN, both as officers and ratings, is increasing.

To date eight female officers have commanded vessels attached to University Royal Naval Units, which operate the 20 metre long 54-tonne Archer Class P2000 boats, but Charlotte is the first to command such a much larger operational vessel.

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