Maltese RN sailor hopes to serve in Afghanistan

A Royal Navy recruit from Malta who has just completed her basic training can't wait to be a fully qualified medical assistant serving in Afghanistan.

Trainee Medical Assistant Elizabeth Portelli, 27, joined the Royal Navy in September and has completed nine weeks of intensive training at HMS Raleigh to turn her from a civilian into a sailor.

The former pupil of Giovanni Curmi, Naxxar, was inspired to join the Royal Navy after seeing adverts depicting sailors involved in humanitarian work.

She also joined to follow in the footsteps of her father, Saviour Portelli, who used to work at sea and also served in the Navy. In the UK she studied at the City of Bath College and previously worked as a holistic massage therapist.

"During training I achieved things which previously I had perceived to be unachievable. I particularly enjoyed the weapons training and teamwork.... Overall the course was highly enjoyable and strenuous. It's hard taking orders after being your own boss for years, but the determination the training gives you is more than enough to ensure success. I can't wait to be a fully qualified Medical Assistant and be out in Afghanistan helping people who need my assistance," Ms Portelli said.

She will now follow a 20-week course at the Defence Medical Services Training Centre at Keogh Barracks in Aldershot.