TV crews, nuclear submarines and keeping a 22,000-tonne ship, well, ship-shape - it's all in a day's work for former Brownie, Lieutenant Commander Helen Ashworth.

Starting out aged seven with Somerton Brownies, Helen spent 11 years in guiding before joining the Royal Navy in 1992 as a midshipsman. Armed with years of guiding know-how, she rose quickly though the ranks. Now aged 35, she holds the prestigious position of senior marine engineer officer aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious.

Fascinating facts:

• Helen was the first-ever woman officer aboard a Royal Navy nuclear submarine.
• The HMS Illustrious is 209m long, 39m wide and can carry a crew of 1,000.
• Earlier this year she had a starring role in Channel Five's Warship documentary series. This six-part series followed key crew members of the HMS Illustrious as the ship sailed from Plymouth to Goa in India.

Tell us about what you do aboard the HMS Illustrious.

I am the senior marine engineer officer, which means that I am responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the Marine Engineering Department onboard the HMS Illustrious.

My responsibilities include the main propulsion (including four Olympus gas turbines, the same type that power Concorde aircraft), power generation (the ship has eight diesel engines that produce enough power to run a small town), making and distributing water, air conditioning, galley services and the maintenance of the hull.

In what ways has guiding influenced your career and life?

Guiding taught me to be independent from an early age. It also taught practical and life skills that gave me the confidence to try new things as I grew older. Learning leadership skills and practising those skills throughout my teenage years meant that when I went for officer selection for the Royal Navy I found the set challenges and tests fairly easy.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have achieved so many things that as a teenager I never thought possible. To be appointed as the senior marine engineer of an aircraft carrier, responsible for so many people and so much equipment, is probably my greatest achievement to date.

What advice do you have for girls who may be considering a career in the Royal Navy?

Go for it! Look on the Royal Navy's website for more information. The Royal Navy has such a wide range of jobs available there is something for everyone.

For more information about life in the Royal Navy, visit The Royal Navy website. (This link will open in a new  window).