Advertisement 22 May 2012 at 12:23am First female commander takes up Royal Navy post Commander Sarah West, 40, has been selected to command HMS Portland. Credit: PA The first female commander of a major Royal Navy warship is taking up her post today. Commander Sarah West, 40, from Middlesex, joins Type 23 frigate HMS Portland in Rosyth, Fife. Last updated Mon 21 May 2012 UK Military Royal Navy Share Tweet Plus Reddit