Senior rating Felicia ‘Fee’ Collins is in a prime position to scoop a national award for her expertise and dedication in the world of logistics.
The 41-year-old chief petty officer has been named a finalist in next month’s Amazon Everywoman Supply Chain Awards, selected in the ‘above and beyond’ category.
Now in their 14th year, the awards – backed by the internet shopping/media behemoth – celebrate the vital contribution women make to transport and logistics, showcasing progression, accomplishments and increasing avenues of opportunity in a traditionally-male-dominated industry.
Fee, who serves with the Portsmouth-based Fleet Logistics Inspection Team, has already been recognised by the Senior Service for her dedication and commitment providing assurance and compliance in the supply chain for the Royal Navy’s deployed ships, shore establishments and overseas forward bases.
“I was very surprised when I learnt that I was nominated for the award and was on the shortlist,” said the chief petty officer, who’s originally from St Vincent in the Caribbean.
“When the initial shock subsided, I was elated that my efforts have been recognised both within the Royal Navy and now by civilian counterparts in transport and logistics. I still feel that I was just doing my job, providing logistics support to my chain of command.”
The Fleet Inspection team travels extensively overseas – especially challenging during the pandemic. Some members of the team will have spent more than six weeks isolating in military accommodation by mid-July, having travelled to HM Ships in Florida and Bahrain.
Fee joined the Navy in 2005 and has served at sea and on land on operations, including destroyers Southampton, York, Diamond and Dragon, plus two tours of duty in Bahrain and one to Afghanistan for Operation Herrick.
“The best part of this job is running your own accounts on board our ships,” she explains, “The responsibility is huge but very rewarding.”
She has also completed a BSc in Logistics Management at Lincoln University and is now enrolled on the Defence Logistics Staff Course which will help her complete a Master’s degree in logistics management.
The winners will be announced on July 8.
