Admiral David Johnston AC RAN
Chief of Defence Force
Admiral Johnston joined the Royal Australian Naval College as a junior entry Cadet Midshipman in 1978. Graduating as a Seaman Officer in 1982, he later specialised as a Principal Warfare Officer.
He was appointed Chief of the Defence Force on 10 July 2024. He has extensive experience across a range of leadership, maritime and joint operations, training and capability management appointments in Australia and overseas.
Admiral Johnston’s senior command appointments include Commanding Officer of HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01), HMAS Newcastle (FFG 06), Commander Border Protection Command, Chief of Joint Operations, and Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
His operational experience includes Operation RELEX (2002), Operation QUICKSTEP in Fiji (2006), Operation RESOLUTE (2007) and Operation SLIPPER (2010).
Admiral Johnston’s honours and awards include his appointment as Member of the Order of Australia (2012), advancement to Officer of the Order of Australia (2018) and Companion of the Order of Australia (2022) ‘for eminent service to the Australian Defence Force through strategic stewardship and capability engagement.’
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Sir Richard Williams Foundation
