Timothy William Barrett
Tim Barrett in September 2016
Born (1959-01-08) 8 January 1959 (age 65)
Helston, United Kingdom
AllegianceAustralia
Service/branchRoyal Australian Navy Reserve
Years of service1976–Present
RankVice Admiral
Commands heldChief of Navy
Commander Australian Fleet
Border Protection Command
Defence Force Recruiting
Navy Aviation Group
HMAS Albatross
817 Squadron RAN
AwardsOfficer of the Order of Australia
Conspicuous Service Cross
Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore)
Officer of Legion of Honour (France)
Tim Barrett (left) with Admiral John Richardson of the USN in February 2016

Vice Admiral Timothy William Barrett, AO, CSC (born 8 January 1959)[1] 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.[2][3]

Early life

Barrett was born in the Cornwall parish of Helston, England, on 8 January 1959. He emigrated to Australia, aged 11, in 1970.[4]

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.[3]

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, HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Canberra.[3]

Barrett assumed command of Border Protection Command on 9 February 2010, succeeding Rear Admiral Allan du Toit.[5]

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.[6] 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.[7] Barrett transferred to the Royal Australian Navy Reserve on 1 September 2018,[8] 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.[9]

Honours and awards

Ribbon Description Notes
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) (9 June 2014)[10]
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) (26 January 2009)[11]
Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) (26 January 2006)[12]
Australian Active Service Medal
Australian Service Medal
Defence Force Service Medal with Federation Star for 40–44 years service
Australian Defence Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (Singapore) (28 June 2016)[13]
Officer of Legion of Honour (France) (22 February 2017)[14]

References

  1. ^ Styles, Aja (24 May 2011). "Navy border chief defends Christmas Island response". WA Today. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  2. ^ "Fleet Commander farewelled as new Admiral takes the weight". Archived from the original on 1 September 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  3. ^ a b c "Rear Admiral Tim Barrett". Royal Australian Navy. Australian Government. Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  4. ^ "Rear Adm. (Tim) Timothy William Barrett". Who's Who in Australia Online. Crown Content. Archived from the original on 5 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  5. ^ Navy News (18 February 2010). "Rear Admiral Barrett goes from Albatross to the border". South Coast Register. Nowra, New South Wales: Fairfax Media. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  6. ^ AAP (4 July 2014). "Air Marshal Mark Binskin has been announced as the new head of the Australian defence force". SBS News. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  7. ^ Griggs, Ray [@RayGriggs_] (24 June 2014). "@DavidHurley_CDF last night promoted VADM Tim Barrett who will next week succeed me as @CN_Australia – congrats Tim" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 June 2014 – via Twitter.
  8. ^ "Changes in senior leadership - 2018-19". Transparency Portal. Department of Defence. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  9. ^ Andrew Greene. "Previously secret report raises fresh doubts on British warship selection for $45 billion future frigate program ". Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  10. ^ Officer of the Order of Australia – 9 June 2014 Archived 16 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine Citation: For distinguished service as Commander Border Protection Command and Commander Australian Fleet Command.
  11. ^ "Barrett, Timothy William – Member of the Order of Australia". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  12. ^ "Barrett, Timothy William – Conspicuous Service Cross". It's an Honour. Australian Government. 26 January 2006. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  13. ^ "Australian Navy Chief Receives Prestigious Military Award". Singapore Government. Singapore Government Media Releases. 28 June 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  14. ^ "L'ambassadeur Stephen Brady a participé mercredi 22 février à la cérémonie de remise de la Légion d'honneur au vice-amiral Tim Barrett". Facebook (in French). L'Australie en France. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tim Barrett (admiral).
Military offices Preceded byVice Admiral Ray Griggs Chief of Navy 2014–2018 Succeeded byVice Admiral Michael Noonan Preceded byRear Admiral Steve Gilmore Commander Australian Fleet 2011–2014 Succeeded byRear Admiral Stuart Mayer Preceded byRear Admiral Allan du Toit Border Protection Command 2010–2011 Succeeded byRear Admiral David Johnston


Categories