Commander David McPherson

Commander David McPherson joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2002 from Victoria’s East Gippsland region. After completing his initial officer training, he proceeded on exchange to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Upon return, he completed Maritime Warfare Officer training in patrol boats and frigates.

After pursuing a specialist career in navigation, McPherson undertook several seagoing roles in patrol boats, hydrographic survey ships and frigates. A highlight being while serving in HMAS Sydney (IV), then Lieutenant McPherson completed the global deployment, NORTHERN TRIDENT 09.

After completing the Advanced Navigation course and a sea posting in HMAS Manoora, McPherson undertook Principal Warfare Officers course, sub-specialising in Surface Warfare. He consolidated his warfare training in frigates, before returning to the navigation community, assuming the role as Fleet Navigation Officer in 2012.

In January 2014, he assumed Command of Attack Four, an Armidale Class patrol boat crew, and later Command of Cape Byron Starboard’s commissioning crew. McPherson has served ashore in Maritime Border Command, Military Strategic Commitments, Navy’s Career Management Agency and deployed to the Middle East as the Deputy Maritime Task Group Commander.

Commander McPherson has completed a Masters of Business, a Masters of Military and Defence Studies, and is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College.

Commander McPherson assumed Command of HMAS Anzac (III) on 1 June 2021.