Archana Cini
Lookout Newspaper
Service deep beneath the waves is anything but quiet.
To Chief Petty Officer Second Class (CPO2) Patricia Inglis, supporting emergency responses; maintaining morale in a confined environment; serving as a communication hub; upholding discipline; participating in briefings; and managing administrative tasks are just some of what keeps a submarine deployment fast paced. CPO2 Inglis is currently posted to HMCS Windsor as the Canadian Submarine Force’s (CSF) first female coxswain. The coxswain is especially vital on submarines where communication with the outside world fades underwater, space grows tight, and tensions run high.
Though her appointment as the first female coxswain of a submarine carries historical significance, CPO2 Inglis remains focused on the responsibilities of her job.
“I am incredibly proud to be the first woman to hold this position within the Canadian submarine community, and I sincerely hope to honour the legacy,” she said. “But importantly, I hope this reinforces that leadership within the CSF is about real competence, and the ability to connect with crew regardless of background.” To CPO2 Inglis, milestones like this also encourage long-term growth by demonstrating how diverse perspectives and approaches enhance team effectiveness.
When it comes to the life of a submariner, what surprises people the most is lack of internet access beneath the surface. “While those serving on ships typically have access to both internal networks and the internet, the experience on a submarine is very different,” said CPO2 Inglis. “We have no access until we return to port, making even checking in with loved ones or reading the news impossible.”
Raised in Nova Scotia, CPO2 Inglis didn’t always envision herself in a naval uniform. She first explored a career in tourism and hospitality; however, the sea called. After deploying aboard HMCS Winnipeg for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, CPO2 Inglis found herself increasingly curious about the submarine force. Conversations with submariners, stories of camaraderie, and the notion of high-impact work in confined spaces sparked something within her.
She first volunteered for submarine service in 2011, advancing through operational roles such as Electronic Warfare Supervisor, Chief of Operations, and Submarine Sea Training Chief before her current appointment as coxswain.
To CPO2 Inglis, the foundation of a successful naval career isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s also built on deep human values. She credits traits like curiosity, resilience, and independence as cornerstones of growth. “Resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a necessity. You need to be able to adapt, recover, and push forward when conditions are hard and unpredictable. What matters is that you show up curious, ready to grow, and willing to push past your comfort zone.”
