Woman takes command of sex-claim submarine base
A WOMAN has taken over as the commander of a naval base in the wake of submarine sexual abuse accusations.
Commodore Sharon Malkin has taken the helm at HM Naval Base Clyde, having taken over from Commodore Bob Anstey, who retired from the Navy after nearly 40 years of service.
It comes after Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord, was forced to launch an investigation into what he said were “abhorrent” claims of inappropriate behaviour in the submarine service, which included claims of bullying, misogyny and sexual harassment against women.
Last month, former lieutenant Sophie Brook, 30, accused the Navy of “a constant campaign of sexual bullying”, and said it was an old boys’ club which makes for “a hostile and misogynistic place”.
Earlier this month, another woman, known as “Catherine” came forward to say that she had become pregnant after being raped while serving at sea.
She did not report the rape at the time because she was worried about being labelled a troublemaker.
A Royal Navy source said that Commodore Malkin’s “presence as a lead female in an influential post will only serve as a further force for good in the ongoing battle” the Navy faces regarding the allegations of inappropriate behaviour. They added: “Her presence could be a really useful leveller to what is predominantly a male, submariner management structure.”
Before taking on the role, Commodore Malkin was head of the customer support team for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, following her promotion to Commodore in June 2021.
Commodore Malkin read engineering at Cambridge before joining the Royal Navy in 1994. After completing her officer training, she served on HMS Brazen and HMS Sheffield. She said she was “honoured and delighted to be assuming command of HMNB Clyde”.
“The Clyde community sits at the heart of UK defence and the achievements of so few, for so many, are impressive and hard-earned,” she said.
The base is home of the Submarine Service, including the UK’S nuclear deterrent, and the new generation of hunterkiller submarines, the Astute Class.