Commodore, RAN

As an active reservist, I have continued to serve in this position for 11 months. In addition to the traditional roles of communications and coordination, the Chief of Staff Navy Strategic Command has a leadership function for: Navy strategy development; the Sea Power Centre Australia; Navy International Engagement; Policing and Security; Administrative Enquiries; and the Navy Information Management System, Policy and Reform.

A Command position within the Department of Defence Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) responsible for the provision of military communications services to deployed and mobile elements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and for services that remain insourced to the Department of Defence. In addition responibilities included the provision of Terrestrial Communications services to over 400 Defence sites within Australia and overseas. This entailed leadership of over 700 military, public servants and contractor staff and management of a budget in excess of 250 million dollars. Other key responsibilities include:- Provision of the Fleet Information Environment (FIE) for the Australian Fleet.- Provision of Satellite Communications Operations for the ADF.- Management of Defence Gateways to the Internet and other Government Departments and Allies.- Accountabilities as the Defence Communications Security Officer entailing the management of the Departments Cryptographic Equipment and Material.- Provision of the Defence Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).- Sustainment of assigned ICT infrastructure

Working within the Navy Capability Branch of Navy Strategic Command, I have oversight of Navy Experimentation, Concepts, Needs Phase Capability Description, whilst also supporting the development of detailed Requirements for the Surface Fleet. Responsibilities also include working closely with the development of Navy aspects in the Defence Capability Plan (DCP).

Attended the Higher Defence College of the Australian Defence Force and read for a Master Of Arts Degree in Strategic Studies from Deakin University.

Working within the Secretary and Chief of Defence Force Group of the Department of Defence, responsibilities included the review of cross group issues and formulation of policy responses.

As the Chief Staff Officer Communications and Information Systems (J6) to the Commander Joint Operations Command responsibilities included the planning, execution and monitoring of communications services for ADF operations and major exercises, including forces deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and the Soloman Islands.The period also saw the construction of the new HQJOC near Bungedore. Acting as the Commander's Senior User Representative on the communications project board throughout culminated in the successful occupation of the facility in late 2008.

The period in command included standing by the ship in construction and final fitting out, formation of the ships company (crew), trials, delivery to the Royal Australian Navy, homeporting in Sydney, Commissioning and finally working up to be an operational unit of the Fleet.

As N6 I had technical contol of the RAN's shore based communications capabilities, including the Naval Communications Area Master Station Australia (NAVCAMSAUS), the Naval Communications Stations Canberra, Darwin, Harold E Holt, plus a number of Local Stations. I also managed the small Fleet Communications section that planned all operations, exercises and deployments for the Fleet.