Kerry Woollard - BSc (Hons) Global Hazards
I have had an interest in meteorology from a young age but it was studying Global Hazards at Derby which inspired me to pursue it as a career.
”Kerry Woollard, graduate
HMS Albion where Kerry is serving as a meteorological advisor
Kerry studied BSc (Hons) Global Hazards (course no longer running) and graduated in 2006. She is now playing a key role in a major Royal Navy deployment to the Mediterranean and Middle East, including supporting international efforts to protect civilians in Libya.
Kerry's role with the Royal Navy
Kerry is currently serving as a meteorological advisor onboard HMS Albion, Flagship of the Royal Navy. The 18,500 tonne assault ship is leading the Royal Navy's Response Force Task Group, a maritime quick reaction force consisting of ships, helicopters and Royal Marines. Kerry's role is to help produce weather forecasts which are used by HMS Albion and the Task Group when planning operations.
"I have to observe the weather throughout the day and calculate the impact it has on operations. This is particularly important when the ship is using helicopters or landing craft as the advice we provide is used by the command to decide whether a mission can go ahead or not".
How did it all start?
"I have had an interest in meteorology from a young age but it was studying Global Hazards at Derby which inspired me to pursue it as a career."
Kerry joined the Royal Navy in February 2009 and conducted her basic training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall. She was subsequently posted to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset where she worked in the Air Traffic Control Tower. In February 2011, Kerry joined the Devonport Flotilla, where she is on standby to provide metrological support to Royal Navy ships deployed on operations around the world.
"HMS Albion is my first sea draft, so it's a steep learning curve. You have to take into account sea temperature and swell mass that can affect operations. In North Africa and the Middle East dust and sand blowing out to sea can also impact on visibility" says Kerry.
What about the future?
So far HMS Albion has taken Kerry to Gibraltar, Cyprus and Crete, but the Task Group will shortly head through the Suez Canal for a series of engagements designed to strengthen the UK's relationships in the Middle East.
Although Kerry's naval career means she is now based in the Westcountry, she has fond memories of her time in Derby.
"I enjoyed walking on the Peak District and I used to be a flag marshal at the races at Donington Park".
