Navy's First Female Commander Sarah West Removed From Post

The Royal Navy's first female commander of a frontline warship has been removed from her post after claims she had an affair with a shipmate.

The Royal Navy confirmed that Commander Sarah West had been "removed from command", but said she would remain in the service and be re-appointed to another post.

Cdr West, 42, took charge of Type 23 frigate HMS Portland in May 2012, but left her vessel in July when claims emerged that she had a relationship with a fellow sailor. The Royal Navy said it would conduct an inquiry into whether she breached the armed forces' code of social conduct, which governs personal relationships within the military. 

"We can confirm that Commander Sarah West, Commanding Officer of HMS Portland, has been removed from Command," said the spokesman. "This is an internal matter between the individual and her senior officers and we will not give further details of the removal. Commander West will continue to serve in the Royal Navy and she will be reappointed to a post where her skills and experience can be used to best effect."

The spokesman added that Cdr West's second-in-command has taken over the running of the ship.