Former co-chair of DEFGLIS, Commander Belinda Wood has been appointed Commanding Officer of RAN frigate HMAS Anzac.
As one of Navy's most experienced and influential commanders, Wood has served on wide range of operations, including a Southern Ocean patrol of Australia’s Antarctic Region, peacekeeping operations in East Timor, and several Middle East deployments.
She also served as co-chair of DEFGLIS during its initial formation from 2003 through 2006, and has been well supported throughout her career by her spouse Kristy.
"Ultimately capability is our highest priority ... each member of Navy, regardless of gender or cultural background, is employed, posted and promoted based on the capability they bring to the table", she said.
CMDR Wood considers that healthy and diverse workplace are essential to execute Navy's mission... to 'fight and win at sea'.
Appointed in 1992 Wood undertook her initial officer training at both the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Australian Navel College at HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay.
Throughout her career - now in its 23rd year - CMDR Wood has held a vast array of postings, both sea and land based. CMDR Wood has served as Staff Officer to the Chief of Navy, as well as the project manager for the Future Frigate program, which will ultimately replace the Anzac class fleet, one of which CMDR Wood is currently CO of, HMAS Anzac.
Read More: Navy Daily - Capability is what counts
Click here to read CMDR Wood's Biography
Click here for The story of Women at Sea in the RAN
Image by Department of Defence