Lady of the fleet sails into history
Saturday November 15 2008
History was made yesterday when a woman was formally handed charge of an Irish naval vessel for the first time.
Lieutenant Commander Roberta O'Brien (31) put herself into the record books as she was given command of the LE Aisling at a ceremony in Galway.
She was one of the first two women to join the Irish Navy 13 years ago -- the other was Lt Cmdr Orlaith Gallagher from Dublin -- and has risen through the ranks to achieve her lifetime ambition. Lt Cmdr O'Brien accepted her new commission before a distinguished attendance, which included her husband, Army Captain Peadar O Cathain and her parents, William and Roberta.
The ceremony was held specially in Galway to mark the twinning of the LE Aisling with the City of the Tribes. Local businesses joined the celebrations by displaying messages of congratulations and hanging balloons from office windows at the dockside.
The native of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, who will take charge of a crew of 45, is following a long line of family members who have served in the defence forces. Her grandfather and uncle both served in the Irish Navy, and her brother Denis and sister Jeanne are both serving members of the Irish Army.
The Defence Forces have had women serving since 1980, and they currently make up 5pc of the overall strength. Women have been serving in the Irish Navy since 1995 and account for 23 officers, three cadets and 45 enlisted personnel.
She admitted that taking control of her own vessel was a very big day. "I'm really excited, I have to say. All of the training and sea-time over the years has finally paid off.
"It wasn't until 1995 that women had the opportunity to join the Navy and we've progressed to where we are now. I'm delighted to have this opportunity," she said.
As commander of the LE Aisling, she will have responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the national waters. This will include fishery protection, search and rescue operation and drugs interdiction.
The Aisling will sail out of Galway tomorrow under her command with her first duty to oversee a training programme for naval divers.
Our picture by Andrew Downes shows Lt Cmdr O'Brien with the LE Aisling in Galway Docks.
- Brian McDonald
