Commander Tina Brown
Commander Tina Brown, CSM, RAN was born in Innisfail, Queensland. She commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 2000, and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2003 with a major in Geography and Management.
Sub Lieutenant Brown undertook Officer specialisation training in HMA Ships Whyalla and Darwin, culminating in the award of her Bridge Warfare Certificate in 2005. Subsequently, Lieutenant Brown served in HMAS Warramunga and Perth. During these periods at sea she deployed on Operations CRANBERRY, RELEX II and CATALYST.
In 2008 Lieutenant Brown successfully qualified as a Principal Warfare Officer and then served in HMA Ships Perth, Arunta, Stuart and Anzac. While posted to Arunta she was awarded the Navy Commendation Bronze (2009). She then specialised further as a Surface Warfare Officer, earning the Naval Warfare Officer’s Association award for Dux of the course. Following this course she deployed in Stuart as the Torpedo and Submarine Officer on Operation SLIPPER.
Upon promotion in 2012, Lieutenant Commander Brown briefly instructed at the Principal Warfare Officer’s School, before becoming the Officer in Charge of the Systems Training School at HMAS Watson. This posting completed in 2014 when she proceeded on maternity leave. Lieutenant Commander Brown returned from maternity leave having been appointed as Executive Officer in HMAS Darwin. The Ship enjoyed successful Operation AWHINA (NZ HADR) and MANITOU deployments. For her efforts she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Lieutenant Commander Brown was then appointed Executive Officer of HMAS Success, broadening her experience to include Task Group Replenishment operations.
Upon returning from a second period of maternity leave in 2018, and on promotion to Commander, she assumed a Deputy Director position within the Directorate of Navy Culture. She was primarily responsible for drafting Chief of Navy's Culture Plan, and delivering culture initiatives to Navy's people. In this time she was selected to return to HMAS Watson, to serve as the Executive Officer. Commander Brown enjoyed returning to the alma mater of Navy warfare officers and sailors as the second in Command, and completed her tenure in May 2022.
Commander Brown also holds a Masters in Strategy and Management. She has participated in Navy Rugby Union both as a player and an Association committee member across her career.
Commander Brown assumed Command of HMAS Hobart in December 2022.
