An Cosantóir

17 a weather balloon for NASA. "It was a fantastic experience for a young woman and again, something that would not have happened in any other job". On another mission, Patricia was part of a crew that sailed to America as part of a promotional project for Ireland. "We ended up in Savannah and took part in the St Patrick's Day Parade – the second biggest in the United States – and again a fantastic experience, we were treated so well, plus it was great to be representing Ireland." At sea, Patricia has served on all the Naval Service vessels, but one that particularly stands out in her mind is the LÉ Samuel Beckett. She was involved in the European Union humanitarian rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean which featured in the much-praised TV documentary of the mission. "That was a different experience, harrowing at times when you saw the condition these people were in. But it was fulfilling and rewarding. You really felt you were doing good for people, that you were making a difference." As for being a woman in a predominately male environment – particularly when at sea – that has not presented any issues for Patricia. "Throughout my career I have often been the only female in particular situations but I have never experienced discrimination. You are part of a team and that's it. Sure there can be banter, especially when you are at sea, but once you realise it's just banter – and give as good as you get – it is not a problem!" At sea, she says, "you are basically living with 40 other people, 24-7. There are all sorts of people from all over the country, but it becomes like a family when you are onboard and everyone looks out for each other." As Chief Petty Officer Electrical Artificer, Patricia has a lot of responsibility: "If something breaks down and you are over 200 miles off the coast it is up to you to sort it out. You could be called at three in the morning in the middle of a storm and told a piece of vital equipment has gone down. You need to be quick on your feet and make sure it gets fixed." Reflecting on life in the Navy, she says: "Of course there are ups and downs, just like any job really, but if you go in with the right attitude you will be alright. I take the view that when one door closes another invariably opens."And she is full of praise for the opportunities that the Naval Service has offered her. "You are given the opportunity to develop and progress, to take part in specialised courses and extra training. If you apply yourself and work hard, you can progress in the Naval Service just as well as our male colleagues." She goes on: "I have always been keen to learn. I always wanted to take the next step. If I achieved one thing then I wanted to know what's next. That's why I applied for so many different courses." At the time of speaking, Patricia had just finished a course in Mental First Aid. "I learned how to spot the early signs that people might have a problem and then to know how to offer help. It was a very valuable lesson and it's great that the Navy is not only aware of mental health issues people might have, but have actually put systems in place to help." She added: "The Naval Service, in general, does offer a lot of help and advice. Don't get me wrong, it can be difficult too, especially if you have a family and are away at sea for long periods." While she would like to see more women join the Navy, she accepts that it can be hard on families and that might be one reason why it is hard to retain women in the service. At present Patricia is land-based at HQ in Haulbowline, where she is involved in planning and maintenance. "We would run maintenance management for the ships." Her other role is in the training college working with apprentices. "I'm really enjoying it; it's very rewarding being involved with younger people and passing on my years of experience. New systems are coming into the Naval Service all the time and we have to keep up with them." When not working, Patricia lives in Ballydehob in West Cork with her wife Elaine and baby son Tadgh. Again, she found easy acceptance of her personal life: "I was well settled and had built a good reputation, so people respected me for that before I came out. But I have never had a problem and the Naval Service certainly had no issues. If anything, people were really kind." Patricia's poses for a picture on the day of her NCO's Course passing out parade in 2006 Patricia being presented with the EUFOR NAV medal OP Pontus by Flag Officer Naval Service 2016 CPO PATRICIA O'SULLIVAN

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