Commodore David Frost

Commodore David Frost is a Naval Aviator with over 30 years of service spanning tactical, operational and strategic arenas.

David has served as a Bridge Watchkeeping Officer in Fremantle Class Patrol Boats, Destroyer Escorts and Frigates, and as an Aviation Warfare Officer at 723 and 816 Squadrons. He also completed a two year exchange posting with the RAAF P3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft, receiving a Chief of Air Force Commendation for a search and rescue mission.

Lieutenant Commander Frost returned to the Fleet Air Arm and Seahawk Helicopters in 2001, gaining embarked experience in HMA Ships Adelaide, Arunta and Anzac. Flight Commander tours followed in HMA Ships Darwin and Melbourne, including two operational deployments to the Middle East and a Commander Australian Theatre Commendation for his efforts during Operation FALCONER in the 2003 Iraq War. Subsequent postings included a Masters in Aerosystems in the UK, lead Seahawk flight test specialist at the RAN Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU) and Command and Staff Course in 2008.

Upon promotion to Commander in 2009, David was appointed as the Officer in Charge of Naval Aviation Flight Test and in 2013 he assumed duties as Commanding Officer of 725 Squadron in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, introducing the MH-60R Maritime Combat Helicopter into service. This was followed by a posting to Canberra as Deputy Director Maritime Helicopters within Navy Strategic Command.

On promotion in 2018, Captain Frost was appointed the Director RAN Test and Evaluation Authority at Garden Island in Sydney, and in December 2019 he also assumed the role as Commander Australian Maritime Warfare Centre. In January 2020 Captain Frost was appointed as the inaugural Director of the Maritime Warfare Centre and also the Maritime Test and Evaluation Principal.

In December 2021 David assumed Command of the Fleet Air Arm on promotion to Commodore.