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.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
In Discussion
8 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Elizabeth Portelli
Nov 26th 2009, 18:53
Thanks for all the comments left over the past few months everyone, I am most honoured!
Michela, feel free to contact me on facebook if you would like to chat about Navy life! I am back in Malta for Christmas too, so we can always chat then! I highly recommend it for any Maltese woman! Good luck!
Michela Briffa
Nov 14th 2009, 08:09
Elizabeth's determination and motivation are two of the few steps I should follow in life. It is my dream to join the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineering Officer, and when reading this article it is making me wanting it even more! I simply admire women like Elizabeth! Well done. I'm sure you will make us, Maltese proud!
Sonia Zammit
Nov 25th 2008, 12:38
It is so nice to see somebody achieve a dream and I am sure you will do great, whatever the future holds. Good luck Elisabeth. x
Anthony Sammut
Nov 21st 2008, 09:28
You go girl, continue making us proud. well done.
My God bless you and protect you always
Mark Anthony Portelli
Nov 20th 2008, 23:21
Well Done! Ex Student GC Naxxar
Noel Ebejer
Nov 20th 2008, 22:45
Very well done, Ms! Fortune favours the brave. May your God be with you.
B Maloret
Nov 20th 2008, 18:29
Well done Elizabeth, I'm sure you will be a credit to the Royal Navy.
Raymond Sammut
Nov 20th 2008, 17:17
When one is not afraid to step outside their comfort zone, the extraordinary can happen.