Tim Barrett (admiral)


Timothy William Barrett, 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, and.
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 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.

Honours and awards



Officer of the Order of Australia
Member of the Order of Australia
Conspicuous Service Cross
Australian Active Service Medal
Australian Service Medal
Defence Force Service Medal with Federation Starfor 40–44 years service
Australian Defence Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Officer of Legion of Honour