Vice Admiral Tim Barrett AO CSC

Chief of Navy (2014–2018)
Commander Australian Fleet (2011–2014)
Commander Border Protection Command (2010–2011)

Tim Barrett joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1976 as a seaman officer and later specialised in aviation.

A dual-qualified officer, he served in HMA Ships Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and HMS Orkney as a seaman officer and then as flight commander in HMA Ships Stalwart, Adelaide and Canberra. His staff appointments include Deputy Director Air Warfare Development, Director Naval Officer’s Postings and Director General of Defence Force Recruiting.

He served as Commanding Officer 817 Squadron, Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross, Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, Commander Border Protection Command Commander Australian Fleet.

Receiving a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for his achievements in naval aviation, he became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his service as Director Naval Officers' Postings and Commander Navy Aviation Group. He was then promoted within the order, to Officer, in 2014 for his leadership of Border Protection Command and the Australian Fleet.

Tim Barrett retired from the Navy in 2018 after a career spanning 42 years.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History and a Master of Defence Studies, both from the University of New South Wales, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Public speeches given by former Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Barrett are available in PDF format.