Commander Kelly Haywood joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1997 as a Combat Systems Operator. After achieving the rank of Leading Seaman, Kelly changed over to a commissioned Maritime Logistics Officer in 2005.

Kelly has served in multiple HMA Ships; deploying to the Middle East three times, performing numerous border protection operations and serving on various peace keeping missions.

Outside of Navy, Kelly is extremely passionate about raising awareness about suicide, depression and mental health and is a Lifeline Ambassador. Through her initiative ‘Choose to Live, Love your Life’ Kelly actively fundraises and speaks in the community about her own personal experiences with suicide.

Kelly won the Western Australian and National Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year Award in 2013 and in 2015 was named as one of Business News 40under40 entrepreneurs, taking out the Intrepreneur category.

Kelly was selected as the Navy Women’s Strategic Advisor in May 2019.

Kelly lives in Canberra with her long-term partner, Dean; their sons Jake (4 years), Ned (2 years); and dog, Fev.