Event: Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO CSC RAN
Interdependence, Alliance and the Winning Edge
In an address to the Lowy Institute, the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO CSC RAN, will discuss the interconnected nature of naval power in the twenty first century, and how that provides greater military weight and agility to the Australian government in meeting the demands of national security.
He will set out the thinking behind the role of the fleet in dealing with potential aggressors, supporting Australia’s alliances with other liberal democracies and partners and upholding the rule of international maritime law in this region through increasing naval interdependence.
The Chief of Navy will also explain how he is intending to go about delivering the Government’s plans for the current recapitalisation of the Australian fleet.
Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO CSC RAN joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1976 as a Seaman Officer and later specialised in aviation.
A dual-qualified officer, Vice Admiral Barrett served in Her Majesty’s Australian (HMA) Ships Melbourne,Perth and Brisbane and HMS Orkney as a Seaman Officer and then as Flight Commander in HMA Ships Stalwart, Adelaide and Canberra. His staff appointments include Deputy Director Air Warfare Development, Director Naval Officer’s Postings and Director General of Defence Force Recruiting.
He has served as Commanding Officer 817 Squadron, Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross, Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, Commander Border Protection Command and most recently as Commander Australian Fleet.
Receiving a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for his achievements in naval aviation, Vice Admiral Barrett became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his service as Director Naval Officers' Postings and Commander Navy Aviation Group. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his leadership of Border Protection Command and the Australian Fleet.
Vice Admiral Barrett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History and a Masters of Defence Studies, both from the University of New South Wales. He recently completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Vice Admiral Barrett assumed command of the Royal Australian Navy on 1 July 2014.
Vice Admiral Barrett and his wife Jenny have two daughters.
