Lieutenant Commander Scott Benstead

Lieutenant Commander Scott Benstead joined the Royal Australian Navy from Albury, NSW as a Combat Systems Operator (Mine Warfare) in 2003.

On completion of his Initial Employment Training, he joined HMAS Yarra and deployed to the Solomon Islands in support of Operation ANODE in 2004.

Commissioning as a Maritime Warfare Officer in 2005, was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in December 2007, consolidating on a variety of Mine Warfare and Amphibious platforms.

After completion of Intermediate Navigation Course, he assumed the role of Navigation Officer in HS Blue Crew during 2011, deploying in support of Operation RESOLUTE and Navy’s Hydrographic Survey commitments.

Lieutenant Commander Benstead successfully completed Surface Combatant Navigation Course in 2014. He joined HMAS Darwin as the Navigation Officer, deploying to the Middle East for her final rotation in support of Operation MANITOU.

Upon completion of Principle Warfare Officer (PWO) and Advanced Navigation Courses in 2018, he joined the School of Navigation Warfare and was fortunate enough to be able to provide instruction and mentoring to Navy’s professional Navigation courses.

Joining HMAS Canberra as the Navigation Officer in 2019, Lieutenant Commander Benstead consolidated his PWO training in a tri-service/coalition environment, participating in SEA Series and Exercise TALISMAN SABRE. He also assisted in the delivery of LHD Final Operational and inaugural certification of the RAN Task Group concepts.

Lieutenant Commander Benstead joined Port Services Sydney as the Navy Harbourmaster in 2020, assisting in the delivery of operational capability to the Fleet and sustainment of relationships essential to the redevelopment of the GIDP. He also provided training and mentoring to aspiring Naval Pilots and is passionate about training, mentoring and support to the Warfare community.

Lieutenant Commander Benstead assumed Command of ADV Cape Inscription Starboard Crew on 13 December 2021.