Julie-Anne Wood: Making Coastguard history

A FORMER Coastguard Watch Assistant at Milford Haven has made history after becoming the first woman to attain the rank of Head of Maritime Operations in Her Majesty’s Coastguard.

Julie–Anne Wood began her Coastguard career as a part–time Coastguard Watch Assistant in the Pembrokeshire coastal town in 1999.

Now, she heads up the National Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham and the 10 Coastguard Operations Centres that co–ordinate search and rescue around the UK coast.

Speaking to the Herald, Julie said: “Starting my career as a Coastguard Watch Assistant in Milford Haven provided a great foundation for me to go on and achieve the promotions that I have.”

From her first position as a Watch Assistant, over the next nine years Julie would progress through the ranks to Watch Officer, Watch Manager, and Rescue Co–ordination Centre Manager.

In 2011 however, her career changed direction, with Julie fulfilling her long–term goal of becoming a Coastguard Technical Trainer within the HR team.

Two years later, she became Head of Technical Training and Standards and in 2014 she temporarily covered the role of Head of Maritime Operations – a position which up until then, had always been held by a man.

In January this year, she was appointed to the position permanently.

Julie says she didn’t set out to make HM Coastguard history, but rather, that it was just a natural advancement for her career. She said: “It’s a huge responsibility and a position that I’m very honoured to hold. What may have once been a male–dominated industry is very different these days.

“The Maritime and Corporate Agency has incorporated women in everything they do. In my experience, there have been no restrictions. I have never allowed my gender to get in the way of my career – that’s one of the great things about HM Coastguard – the only limits on women are those that are imposed by themselves.”

Julie added: “I am fortunate to be surrounded by an extraordinary team of strong women and men who are driven, talented and deliver an incredible service 24 hours a day.”

Despite her success, Julie says that her proudest moments are still ingrained in bringing people home to their families: “Every rescue if different, but the feeling you get when we’ve rescued someone in their darkest hours still makes a huge impression on me emotionally.

“There is no better feeling than seeing families reunited and know that you’ve played a part in that.”

Asked if she had fond memories of her time spent working in Milford Haven, Julie said: “Absolutely, my husband still lives in Milford Haven – I come home regularly, most weekends actually.

“My heart is always in Milford Haven, and Pembrokeshire, and always will be.”