Tim Barrett (admiral)



Vice Admiral Timothy William Barrett, (born 8 January 1959) is a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve. Barrett served as Commander Australian Fleet from 2011 to 2014, before being appointed Chief of Navy in June 2014. He retired in July 2018 after four years as navy chief and 42 years in the navy.

Early life
Barrett was born in the Cornwall parish of Helston, England, on 8 January 1959. He emigrated to Australia, aged 11, in 1970.

Military career
Barrett received a Bachelor of Arts in history and politics as well as a Master of Defence Studies from the University of New South Wales.

Barrett has served as both aircrew with the Fleet Air Arm and as a seaman officer on a number of ships, including as flight commander aboard HMAS Stalwart (D 215), HMAS Adelaide (FFG 01) and HMAS Canberra (FFG 02).

Barrett assumed command of Border Protection Command on 9 February 2010, succeeding Rear Admiral Allan du Toit.

On 4 April 2014, Barrett's promotion to vice admiral and selection to succeed Ray Griggs as Chief of Navy (CN) was announced, to take place mid-year. He was subsequently advanced in rank during a ceremony presided by General David Hurley on 24 June, and assumed command as CN six days later. Barrett transferred to the Royal Australian Navy Reserve on 1 September 2018, and was succeeded as CN by Vice Admiral Michael Noonan.

Barrett played a key role in choosing Britain's Type 26 Frigate offering before later becoming a paid advisor to BAE Systems Australia - the builder of the ship.

Honours and awards
AUS Order of Australia (military) BAR.svg CSC Australia ribbon.png Australian Active Service Medal ribbon.png Australian Service Medal ribbon.png

DFSM with Fed Star.png Australian Defence Medal (Australia) ribbon.png Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) ribbon.png Legion Honneur Officier ribbon.svg