Sarah West made history some two or so years ago when she became the first female Navy Commander ever. This week the 42-year-old's position is in jeapordy, as she's been sent home from duty amidst claims she's been having an affair with a male officer on the same ship. The claims apparently come from a snitch, sorry, we mean another member of the crew.
This goes against the Armed Forces' Code of Social Conduct which prohibits personnel from having relationships with subordinates if they compromise 'operational effectiveness'. The Royal Navy are apparently currently investigating the affair, with potential disciplinary action including a formal warning, official censure, re-assignment or in extreme cases, losing their job altogether.
West, whose previously described herself as single spoke on the effect her new position was having on her love life some few months ago: 'Years at sea probably explains why I'm single. But every person in the military makes sacrifices," she said.
There's no word as of yet from either Sarah nor her lawyers but we say forget operational effectiveness! Let a girl live.
Follow Alya Mooro on Twitter @moorizZLA
Picture: Corbis
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.