Lt Maxine Stiles daughter of Ashton-under-Lyne club member Kay Stiles has recently become of three women naval officers to become the first female submariners in the 110 year old submarine service. Lt Stiles (29) earned her “Dolphin” badge together with fellow officers Penny Thackray and Alexandra Osson after many months of training. The three officers will shortly take up their posts on the nuclear powered Vanguard class boat “HMS Vigilant.”
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has praised their “huge personal achievement” and said that this is “an historic moment for the Royal Navy.”
Needless to say that all members of SI Ashton-under-Lyne have offered Maxine their congratulations and wish her and her colleagues every success in their chosen career. One day we hope that these enterprising women will join forces with Sorotptimist International.
