A HAMPSHIRE naval officer has retired after 38 years’ work with the military.

Former Wren Chief Petty Officer Writer Fiona Smith had most recently been working at HMS Collingwood in Fareham.

She joined the Royal Navy in 1976, serving for 22 years at bases in Portsmouth and Rosyth.

Fiona, 59, from Gosport, was one of the first Wrens to go to sea on HMS Invincible in 1990, which she said was one of the highlights of her career and a learning curve.

The First Sea Lord awarded her a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal while she was onboard HMS Invincible. She also served with the Royal Marines and was the Commodore’s PA in NATO in Portugal. Upon retiring from the Navy, Fiona stayed working in support of the service by taking charge of the Cash Office at HMS Collingwood and worked under different companies during her 15 years in the civilian world.