Cdr Serena Brotherton RN
Serena Brotherton joined BRNC Dartmouth in 2003 having completed a degree in Economics and Politics at Queens University Belfast. Her interest in a naval career was sparked whilst at university where she joined the Royal Naval Reserve at HMS CAROLINE.
On gaining her commission Brotherton completed 2 years of flying training at RNAS Culdrose on Jetstream and Sea King Mk 7 aircraft and was awarded her Wings as an Airborne Surveillance and Control Observer in June 2006.
Brotherton spent the next 4 years frontline on 849 NAS B Flt and 857 NAS where she embarked in various RN and RFA platforms conducting operations and exercises throughout the world including, Operation VELA, Operation CALASH, JTFX, Exercise TAURUS and numerous Joint Warrior exercises. In September 2009 she deployed to Camp Bastion in support of Operation HERRICK 10 as a Tactical Mission Commander, during which time she flew missions around Helmand Provence providing surveillance and reconnaissance in support of UK and US troops on the ground.
Becoming a Qualified Observer Instructor in 2010, Brotherton re-joined 849 NAS for an instructional tour, where she instructed ab-initio observers on the Sea King Mk7.
In 2013 Brotherton qualified as a Helicopter Warfare Instructor and joined 857 NAS where she deployed in support of Operation HERRICK on 3 further occasions until the Squadron departed Camp Bastion for the last time in May 14. After a short period of maritime re-generation in the UK, 857 NAS then deployed on Operation KIPION to provide maritime surveillance in the Arabian Gulf. During this time Brotherton spent 3 weeks embarked in the USS CARL VINSON in the North Arabian Gulf acting as a UK Liaison Officer whilst in support of CTF 50. In July 15 she was awarded a Joint Commanders Commendation for her contribution to Operation KIPION.
In January 2015, Brotherton assumed the role of 849 NAS Palembang Flight Commander, deploying her flight in support of Operation KIPION which included an embarkation in RFA FORT VICTORIA to conduct Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf of Aden.
Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 2016, Brotherton became the Operations Officer for 849 NAS before completing Intermediate Staff Training at Shrivenham and then returning to 849 NAS for the final time as Senior Observer. This took her back to the Middle East for the last operational deployment of the SKASaC aircraft before its retirement. Brotherton has amassed over 2200 SKASaC hours over the years.
In August 2018 Brotherton hung up her flying overalls and became Military Assistant to Director Carrier Strike within the Carrier Enabled Power Projection team at MOD Main Building. During the Covid crisis she was seconded to the Military Aid to Civilian Authorities team at the Defence Crisis Management Centre for a 3 month spell of writing operational orders to facilitate military assistance. In March 2021 Brotherton was selected for promotion to Commander and is currently on maternity leave until 2022.
A keen sportswoman Brotherton enjoys playing hockey and has represented the Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces team. When not on the hockey field, she enjoys running, skiing and sampling gin from around the world. She is married to John and they have a daughter together who keeps them both very busy.