Commander Nigel Rowan

Commander Nigel Rowan joined the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) via the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1994, from NSW. A career aviator, CMDR Rowan across a 20+ year flying career has qualified in Squirrel, Seaking, Seasprite, S-70B-2 and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, and multiple fixed wing types. He completed instructional flying tours at the graduate and post-graduate level, and sub-specialised as a Helicopter Warfare Instructor. Selected in the initial tranche of aircrew for MH-60R training in the USA, CMDR Rowan was the Training Support Officer for 725 Squadron in 2013-2015 for the stand-up of the squadron in Florida and the commissioning of the squadron. He moved on to be the Operations Officer of 816 Squadron for the introduction of the MH-60R to the squadron in 2016, and graduated from the Australian Command and Staff Course in 2017.

CMDR Rowan has completed staff roles in tactical, operational, and strategic headquarters. He has completed operational deployments to the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, and multiple times to the Middle East region. Prior to taking command of 816 Squadron, he served as the Executive Officer of HMAS Albatross, Navy’s operational air station and home of the Fleet Air Arm. CMDR Rowan earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business and Technology from UNSW, and a Master of Military and Defence Studies from the ANU.

A retired Navy cricketer and baseballer, he likes to keep fit participating in triathlons from sprint to Ironman distance as part of the ADF Triathlon club. He enjoys watching live sport and concerts with his wife Di, and travelling with their two children. Somewhat of a glutton for punishment, he follows the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, and the reigning 2022 premiers in the NRLW.

Commander Nigel Rowan assumed Command of 816 Squadron in December 2022.