Wrens to command warships in Navy first

IN A historic moment for the Royal Navy, two Wrens will next month become the first women to take command of British warships.

The appointment of the two women, both of lieutenant rank, was confirmed last night to The Independent by John Reid, the Armed Forces minister, who stressed that their selection was on merit.

He said: "These appointments clearly demonstrate the Royal Navy's commitment to full integration of women wherever possible and the ability to pursue the same career opportunities as their male counterparts."

Following one final check, the women will be placed in charge of two 40-tonne naval fast patrol boats, believed to be HMS Dasher based at Gosport, Hampshire, and HMS Express, based at Penarth in Wales.

Both ships are used to train potential recruits from the Royal Navy university units, which aim to convince graduates of the advantages of pursuing a career in the Navy. Both ships carry a complement of around a dozen sailors. They would not normally be armed in peace time but will be converted for military action in a war-time role.

The two women were appointed by Rear Admiral Peter Franklyn, the Navy's Flag Officer Surface Flotilla, based at Portsmouth, following nomination and recommendations.

The announcement of their promotion follows a succession of embarrassing incidents involving women aboard Navy ships.

Last month, an officer who became known to Wrens as Officer Underpants was found guilty of a charge of serious misconduct at court-martial. The court-martial heard that Commander David Bellingham touched and verbally harassed four Wrens.

Despite such episodes, the Navy is anxious to be seen as an equal opportunities employer. The Navy and the other armed services are actively seeking to recruit more members of ethnic minorities. Last month The Independent revealed that the Navy wished to recruit young Muslim women to the Wrens despite potential cultural difficulties.

Women have made considerable progress since the first Wrens went to sea in 1990. There are more than 100 women serving with the Naval Task Group on standby in the Gulf.

The appointment of the two female commanding officers was welcomed last night by Mike Hancock, the Liberal Democrat defence spokesman and MP for Portsmouth South, who said: "It's a great step forward for women but it is long overdue. It is a move which will do a lot of good for the forces generally and the Navy in particular."