Female Navy commander investigated over 'ship affair'

Commander Sarah West was a headline appointment when she became the first female commander of a frontline warship in the 500-year history of the Royal Navy.

She described taking on the role as the greatest achievement of her career, adding: "I'm looking forward to taking HMS Portland on operations with a professional and focused team."

Earlier this year she said her work commitments made it difficult to have a relationship.

She told the Daily Mirror: "Years at sea probably explains why I'm single. But every person in the military makes sacrifices."

The Royal Navy has said Commander Sarah West can expect to face "appropriate action" if it is proved she had an affair with a shipmate on board HMS Portland.

Possible punishments for not meeting the "high standards" include a formal warning, reassignment or even a formal dismissal.

The first female commander of a major Royal Navy warship has left her vessel following an allegation she had an affair with a shipmate.

Commander Sarah West, 42, took charge of Type 23 frigate HMS Portland in May 2012 but is understood to have left the ship amid a Navy investigation.

Her second-in-command has taken over the running of the vessel, though Cdr West remains the Commanding Officer.