Tim Barrett (admiral)

Timothy William Barrett
Tim Barrett in September 2016
Born 8 January 1959
Helston, United Kingdom
Allegiance Australia
Service/branch Royal Australian Navy
Years of service 1976–2018
Rank Vice Admiral
Commands held Chief of Navy
Commander Australian Fleet
Border Protection Command
Defence Force Recruiting
Navy Aviation Group
HMAS Albatross
817 Squadron RAN
Awards Officer 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, (born 8 January 1959) is a retired senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy. 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, HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Canberra.

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 retired from the navy in July 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

Ribbon Description Notes
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) (9 June 2014)
Member of the Order of Australia (AM) (26 January 2009)
Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) (26 January 2006)
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)
Officer of Legion of Honour (France) (22 February 2017)