Oceaneering is devoted to creating a talented, diverse, and inclusive workforce. Veterans have long been a part of the DNA of our company, and we are especially proud of our employees who have served and sacrificed. The Veterans Spotlight series, presented in partnership with the Oceaneering Veterans' Network, highlights veterans’ contributions to Oceaneering and how they demonstrate our core values through their skills and experiences.

veteran-spotlight

Julie Sitzmann serves as Oceaneering’s Quality Solutions Director. Prior to joining the company in 2007, she spent 13 years in the U.S. Navy.

“Working with and leading teams towards a mission for our country has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Julie began her military service at the U.S. Naval Academy where she studied Oceanography and competed on the sailing team. She believes that the Academy’s academic and military curriculum pushed her further mentally as well as physically, ultimately teaching her more about her strengths and weaknesses than she would have learned at a traditional college.

After graduation, she attended flight school for two years and discovered that her sailing skills were transferable to flying an aircraft. She finished second in a class of 24, earning her top choice of aircraft-the mighty P-3 Orion Sub Hunter. Julie was deployed almost immediately after checking into her squadron in Brunswick, Maine. Newly married, she had to leave her husband of two months behind for a six-month deployment, but it was the quickest path towards certification.

During this time, Julie learned the importance of clear and concise communication.

“While flying an aircraft in dangerous environments and conditions with 12 crew members of diverse backgrounds from different parts of the country, it quickly became apparent that communication before, during, and after a flight was critical to mission success.”

By her second deployment in 2003, Julie was designated Plane and Mission Commander and flew missions over Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. What is a sub hunting plane doing over land in Iraq?

Julie Sitzmann
Julie Sitzmann

“Staying as high as possible to avoid ground to air missiles and taking imagery to share with ground troops,” Julie said. “Not what the P-3 was designed to do, as it likes low and slow over open water missions, but we got the job done by providing ‘eyes on’ for many ground missions.”

As Plane and Mission Commander, Julie learned that being a part of a team, working toward a common goal for the betterment of a community much larger than itself, is very fulfilling.

“I enjoyed working with highly skilled and driven people with varied backgrounds and personalities. When the environment is structured; when everyone executes their role, trusts others to execute their role, and your teammates always have your back, it is amazing what can be accomplished!”

Julie’s experiences in the military and at Oceaneering have helped her grow as an individual, teammate, and leader.

“In both environments, I have valued the focus on integrity, dedication to mission, continuous growth and improvement, and diversity.”

She adds, “With these values firmly in place and upheld by all, we can do our jobs with intensity, creativity, and be true to ourselves in a safe setting. There is no better place to be and no challenge too tall when there is a crew or team that has your back and you have theirs.”

Julie’s advice to veterans transitioning to a civilian career at Oceaneering is to rest easy.

“You are joining a team with a mission that has the potential to fill your cup just as much as your comrades in the military did. Dive in; you can and will make a difference!”

Interested in a new career path? Visit our Careers page to search our available job opportunities.

Interested in a New Career Path?

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