Captain Ken Burleigh

Ken Burleigh joined the Royal Australian Navy from his home town of Perth in September 1984. He trained as a Seaman Officer and was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in HMAS Swan in May 1987. He served in a series of ships including Destroyers, Destroyer Escorts, Frigates and Patrol Boats, before specialising in navigation and completing the RAN’s premier Long Navigation Course in 1991. He undertook Principal Warfare Officer training in 1995 and was awarded the Sydney Emden Prize and AWA Sword of Excellence as the dux of the year. Ken completed several staff appointments in operations, training and capability roles as well as a period of time in the Department for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Ken’s seatime was highlighted by command of the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Launceston and the Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Darwin.

He transitioned to the Navy Reserve in 2007 and took up the position of Pilot and Deputy Harbourmaster of the Port of Broome. He was appointed Harbourmaster in 2009. Ken left Broome in 2011 to take up a position as Senior Pilot with Argonaut Marine Group to set up their Dampier operation. He remained with Argonaut Marine Group until 2019 when he transitioned back to permanent Naval service. During his time in the civil sector, Ken achieved unrestricted pilot licenses in Broome, Dampier, Cape Preston and Port Melville in the NT.

After Navy re-entry, he took up positions in Navy People Group, Navy Capability Division and Defence Marine Support Services Group, prior to being appointed as the inaugural Capability Manager Representative Offshore Patrol Vessels, where he oversaw preparations for the introduction of the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel. Captain Burleigh assumed command of HMAS Stirling on 19 May 2023.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Management and a Graduate Certificate in Maritime Studies. He enjoys walking, cycling, reading military history and is a tragic cricket and AFL supporter.