Lieutenant Commander Stuart Francis
LCDR Stuart Francis joined the Royal Australian Navy in January 2009, he conducted NEOC at HMAS Creswell before proceeding to Junior Warfare Officer’s Course in HMA Ships Watson, Betano and HMA Patrol Boats. He subsequently proceeded to ADFA where he undertook a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on English and Business. This was followed by further JWO training in HMA Patrol Boats and HMAS Brunei. Awarded his BWC in Dec 2014, he proceeded to HMAS Huon to attain his platform endorsement. A short stint as an OOW followed, prior to a posting to HMAS Canberra for further consolidation. A two year posting in HMAS Canberra as the SSDOOW followed, with short term postings in HMAS Anzac for an FFH PE and HMAS Adelaide for further platform consolidation.
Then LEUT Francis was selected for PWO training in 2017 and graduated from PWO 54 as a PWO FWO Air Warfare. A second posting to HMAS Adelaide followed as the Gunnery Officer. His tenure in Adelaide was cut short as a posting opportunity to form the founding staff of the Australian Maritime Task Group presented, with LEUT Francis assuming duties as Current Operations Officer. This posting enabled him to consolidate his skills and prepare for subsequent employment. LEUT Francis was then posted to HMAS Toowoomba as the Gunnery Officer for her OP MANITOU rotation 68 deployment, this was unique as it was the first and only MEAO deployment in support of the International Maritime Security Construct. This deployment was also greatly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic and limited the opportunity for the ship’s company to disembark.
On return from the Middle East in August 2020, he was promoted to LCDR and assumed duties as Operations Officer HMAS Warramunga and undertook AMCAP and crew founding. LCDR Francis was then posted to the Commissioning Crew of HMAS Stalwart as Operations Officer. LCDR Francis undertook a six month posting in HMAS Ballarat as Gunnery Officer during this posting for her deployment on OP ARGOS.
LCDR Francis was selected to be the CO of HMAS Broome and is genuinely excited for the challenges and rewards that accompany Command. Assuming Command in December 2022, LCDR Francis joined a well-established and proven team, with an excellent opportunity to make the most of Broome’s twilight years.
LCDR Francis has spent the bulk of his Navy career at sea and greatly enjoys the challenges and opportunities that it presents. A particular highlight is the development of individuals and teams in highly challenging environments.
