SPEAKER INFORMATION
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1986 as an Electronics Technician, before commissioning as a Naval Officer in 1988. Graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in 1990, Hammond served in frigates before volunteering for submarine service and qualifying in the Oberon class. He is a dual qualified officer, graduating from the RAN Principal Warfare Officers Course, and the Netherlands and USN Submarine Command Courses, and Australia’s Senior Submariner.
Over his career he has served extensively in Collins Class submarines and also gained international experience in French, British and US nuclear attack submarines and Dutch conventional submarines. His Command of HMAS Farncomb included submarine operations across the Indo-Pacific. Subsequent shore postings included the Assistant Naval Attaché in Washington DC, Submarine Capability and Joint Exercise Staff roles, and 12 months as the Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Force.
On promotion to Commodore, Hammond was appointed Director General Maritime Operations. Hammond then returned to the United States as the Liaison Officer to the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was awarded the United States Legion of Merit (Officer) for his performance in this role, and in 2018 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff roles.
On promotion to Rear Admiral, Hammond assumed duties as the Deputy Chief of Navy in 2018, and in late 2020, was appointed Commander of the Australian Fleet. In these demanding appointments Hammond first oversaw substantial workforce growth, and then focused on enhancing the resilience and warfighting capability of Navy’s people and Fleet during the COVID19 pandemic.
Vice Admiral Hammond assumed Command as Chief of Navy on 07 July 2022, the first RAN Recruit School and ADFA graduate to do so, and only the second submarine Commanding Officer to be appointed to the role. In 2023 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior command roles.
Vice Admiral Hammond holds a Bachelor of Science, Masters in Management and Masters in Maritime Studies, and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
RADM Rachel Durbin grew up in the NSW Snowy Mountains and joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1993 through the Australian Defence Force Academy as a Marine Engineer. She spent her sea-time on board HMA Ships Westralia, Anzac, Canberra and Perth deployed on operations in the Persian Gulf, conducting exercises in North and South East Asia, fisheries operations in the Southern Ocean and border protection off Northern Australia.
Following promotion to Captain in 2013, RADM Durbin enjoyed strategic roles within the Rizzo Reform Program, Major Surface Ships Sustainment (CASG) and Navy Capability Division. On promotion to CDRE in 2021, RADM Durbin served as Director General Engineering—Navy from 2021–2023. In March 2023 RADM Durbin was promoted to Rear Admiral and assumed the role of Head Navy Engineering. She has also served within the Navy Leadership and Culture Program and Navy Workforce Management responsible for engineering workforce requirements and remediation.
RADM Durbin was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2013 and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), Master in Engineering Management, Master in Arts in Strategy and Management, is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. She is also a graduate of both the Australian Command and Staff Course and the Defence Strategic Studies Course.
Air Marshal Al Gillespie CBE MA BSc RAF joined the Royal Air Force in July 1988 as a University Cadet and completed his BSc (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering the following year. He spent 10 years flying as a Qualified Weapons Instructor Navigator on the Tornado F3.
He completed staff tours in the Defence Intelligence Staff and MOD Directorate of Strategic Plans and a tour as the Chief of Combat Operations in the USAF Central Command Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) (Qatar). Gillespie took command of 23 Squadron (E-3D AWACS) in July 2008 and, on promotion to Group Captain in October 2009, deployed to Bastion Airfield to assume command of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing as the USMC expanded into Helmand. After a staff appointment in HQ Air Command as Group Captain ISTAR, Gillespie assumed command of RAF Waddington, the RAF’s ISTAR hub.
On promotion to Air Commodore, he returned to Al Udeid, Qatar as the UK Air Component Commander, with responsibility for UK air operations across the region and the orderly withdrawal of UK Air Power from Afghanistan. In June 2015, Gillespie became the Battlespace Management Force Commander within Headquarters Number 1 Group and in June 2017 was appointed as Head of the Air Transformation Programme.
After graduating from the Royal College of Defence Studies, Gillespie promoted to Air Vice-Marshal and commanded Number 2 Group from October 2019 to October 2021. He was Director UK Military Aviation Authority from December 2021 to November 2024 and subsequently appointed Director General of the Defence Safety Authority on promotion to Air Marshal. He is married to Cath; they live with their adult children Alice and Madeline in Worcestershire.
Rear Admiral Chris Smith, AM, CSM, RAN assumed the role of Commander Australian Fleet on 16 December 2022.
RADM Smith joined the Royal Australian Naval College in 1989. His seagoing appointments have included HMA Ships Stalwart, Parramatta (III), Brunei, Perth (II), Ipswich, Geraldton, Canberra (II), Anzac and Command of HMA Ships Gladstone, Darwin and Canberra (III). His shore appointments have included Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence, Deputy Director of Sailors’ Career Management, Director Navy Warfare Professional Requirements, 2015 Force Structure Review Team, Commander Surface Force, Director General Littoral and Deputy Chief of Navy.
His operational experience has included domestic Operations CRANBERRY and RELEX, regional deployments to Operations TREK (Solomon Islands) in 2000, ANODE (Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands) as the Commanding Officer Gladstone in 2003, and Operation FIJI ASSIST the inaugural LHD operational deployment as Commanding Officer Canberra III in 2016. RADM Smith deployed to Operation CATALYST/SLIPPER as the Australian Liaison Officer to the US Central Command Forward Headquarters in 2008.
RADM Smith attended the Australian Command and Staff Course in 2004 and the US Naval War College (NCC) in 2013 where he was awarded the RADM Joseph C. Strasser, International Leadership Prize (NCC). He holds a Master of Management in Defence Studies, a Master in Maritime Studies, Master of Arts (International Relations) and has attended the USN Strategic Studies Course at the Darden Business School (University of Virginia), Executive Development Program at the Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania) and Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School (Harvard University).
Born and educated in country Queensland, Major General Vagg joined the Army in 1992, graduating from the Royal Military College – Duntroon in 1993 to the Royal Australian Artillery. He has enjoyed an exciting career with regimental experience at 4th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and on exchange with 40 Regiment (AS-90), Royal Artillery. He was also the inaugural Commanding Officer of 16th Air Land Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
His training experience includes appointments at the School of Artillery and Duntroon, while his staff experience includes appointments at the British Defence Intelligence Staff, the Defence Intelligence Organisation, as well as Modernisation and Strategic Plans – Army. He was MA to Commander Forces Command, the Director of Military Art, Royal Military College – Duntroon and the Director General Systems and Integration – Army. After working as Director General Air and Land Capability Analysis in Contestability Division, Major General Vagg was seconded to the Defence Strategic Review as the lead military Director General. He assumed his current position as Head Land Capability in March of 2023.
Major General Vagg has operational experience in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. His most recent deployment was as Commander Task Group Taji, Rotation Four in Iraq—for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours. He has also been awarded a Commander Multi-National Brigade (Central) Commendation for his role in several operations along the Kosovo/Macedonian/Albanian border and a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his work as the inaugural Commanding Officer of the Artillery Training Team – Kabul.
He is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College, the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies and Australian Institute of Company Directors. Major General Vagg holds a Masters of Arts – Management and Strategy from the University of New South Wales and a Masters of Business Administration from Deakin University. Whilst studying at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies he received the Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey Award.
Major General Vagg’s work in capability development combined with his regimental, operational and training appointments have provided him with broad exposure to the Defence enterprise. He enjoys the challenges of modernising Defence and setting the conditions to create options for an integrated Joint Force.
Major General Vagg is a keen spectator of most sports, a passionate Queensland Reds supporter, rows to relax, and enjoys watching his children’s sporting events. Richard and his wife Charlotte have one adult daughter and two school aged children. The family enjoys spending time improving their hobby farm.
RADM Letitia (‘Tish’) van Stralen, AM, CSC, RAN completed a Bachelor of Laws at Queensland University of Technology in 1994 and joined the RAN in 1995. Despite having legal qualifications, RADM van Stralen joined as a Maritime Warfare Officer.
Her seagoing postings included HMA Ships Tobruk, Darwin, Newcastle and Brisbane and included roles as an Officer of the Watch and Assistant Principal Warfare Officer. She completed roles ashore as an Intelligence Watch Officer and Training Officer.
RADM van Stralen gained her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Australian National University in 2002, and transferred to the Navy Legal branch. She performed legal roles in ADF Warfare Centre, Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), and as the Fleet Legal Officer and Director Legal, HQJOC; with a particular focus on an operational law specialisation.
RADM van Stralen subsequently undertook a number of non-legal roles, including the Executive Officer in HMAS Creswell, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Navy and Director of Navy Career Management.
Operationally, she deployed to the Middle East in 2006 as the Legal Officer and Public Affairs Officer, Commander Task Force 158.
She was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her role as the Fleet Legal Officer, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 for service in senior leadership positions related to enhancing culture and people systems.
RADM van Stralen holds a Masters in Military Law and completed the Defence Strategic Studies Course in 2021. She was promoted to Commodore in 2022 and performed the roles of Chief of Staff to Navy Headquarters, and Director General Navy People in the newly integrated Military Personnel Division.
In December 2024, she was promoted to Rear Admiral and appointed as Head of Military Personnel.
RADM van Stralen is married to Aaron and they have an adult daughter, Zara who is married and living in Canada. She enjoys travel, fitness and time with her family.
In June 2023, Commander Grant Boore assumed the role of Technical Seaworthiness Regulator in the NZ Defence Maritime Authority.
Commander Boore was born in Lyttelton and joined Te Taua Moana / Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) as an Apprentice Radio Fitter in January 1979 at the age of 15. Commander Boore served aboard HMNZ Ships OTAGO (Frigate), TAUPO (Lake Class Patrol Craft), WELLINGTON (Frigate) and WAIKATO (Frigate) along with shore establishments TAMAKI, PHILOMEL and IRIRANGI as a Radio Fitter. In March 1993, as a Petty Officer Radio Fitter, he was selected for commissioned service and transferred to the General List of Officers in the Weapon Engineering sub-specialisation.
As a Weapon Engineering Officer, Commander Boore spent the majority of his time developing the ANZAC Frigate Combat System for both the RNZN and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as the Combat Systems Manager in the Canberra-based ANZAC Ship Project before returning to sea in 2021 as the Weapon Engineering Officer in HMNZS TE MANA where the RNZN actively participated in Operation Enduring Freedom during the 2003 War in Iraq.
In 2004 Commander Boore returned to Australia attached to the RAN ANZAC Capability Element as the Combat Systems Requirements Manager and then, in 2005, transferred to the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) as Programme Manager for the RAN ANZAC Class Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade Programme. After completing an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2008, specialising in Complex Project Management, Commander Boore was placed as the Deputy Programme Manager for the ADF Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment programme in the DMO.
Returning to New Zealand in support of the recovery effort following the Christchurch earthquakes in 2011, Commander Boore was engaged as a programme manager for a large earthquake recovery programme and concurrently joined the RNZN Volunteer Reserves (RNZNVR) in 2012. Following this, in 2015, Commander Boore accepted the offer of a Short Term Regular Force Engagement to lead the Southern Youth Development Unit at Burnham Military Camp for three years before taking up his last civilian role of Assistant Prison Director, Canterbury Prisons, with the Department of Corrections at the end of 2018. At the same time Commander Boore returned to the Naval Reserves and took over as the Executive Officer of HMNZS PEGASUS in 2018 and was ultimately appointed Commanding Officer, HMNZS PEGASUS in July 2022.
On promotion, in June 2023, Commander Boore relinquished Command to take up his current role of Technical Seaworthiness Regulator within the NZ Defence Maritime Authority.
Commander Boore’s military career highlights include a posting to Antarctica in 1986 and an operational tour with NATO during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1997 from which he was awarded the NATO Medal for Service in Former Yugoslavia and the New Zealand Operational Service Medal. A professional highlight was being appointed as Head of Department during his last seagoing role earning him the New Zealand General Service Medal Afghanistan (Secondary Zone). During his year in Command of HMNZS PEGASUS he was fortunate to meet the Princess Royal and welcome many new citizens to Aotearoa New Zealand with various local Councils.
Away from his work commitments Commander Boore is married to Astrid and they have two sons, Carter, who recently joined the RNZN, and Oskar who is also pursuing a role in the NZDF. His interests include working on his lifestyle farm block in Canterbury with his three dogs and contributing to the rural community with supporting country activities. He also likes cars, fast noisy cars.
Commodore Sands Skinner joined the Royal Australian Navy in January of 1996 from Perth, Western Australia, through the Australian Defence Force Academy as an Aeronautical Engineer.
Upon qualification, he worked in both 816 and 817 Squadron as an Engineering Officer on S-70B-2 and SK-50 aircraft. During this posting he was also deployed on a number of exercises and operations, including Operation RELEX I and RIMPAC. He has embarked in HMA Ships Adelaide, Arunta, Kanimbla and Warramunga and was the decommissioning AEO of 817 Squadron.
In 2014, CDRE Skinner posted to NAS Patuxent River in the United States for three years, where he was the in-county lead of the RAN's MH-60R FMS Acquisition Program. On returning to Australia in January 2017, CDRE Skinner was appointed the Chief Engineer of the Fleet Air Arm supporting all naval aircraft types.
In July 2018, CDRE Skinner deployed to Afghanistan for 8 months on Operation HIGHROAD as Engineering and Maintenance Director within the Train Advise Assist Command – Air mission. Working as part of a USAF led joint coalition headquarters, he advised the Afghan Air Force on all engineering and maintenance aspects of establishing a fledgling Air Force.
Promoted to Captain in December 2019, he has worked as the Director of Continuing Airworthiness in the Defence Aviation Safety Authority and as the Director of Engineering in the Fleet Air Arm. In December 2022, he commenced his previous role as Director Naval Materiel Seaworthiness Assurance Agency.
Promoted to Commodore in December 2023, he is currently appointed as Director General Seaworthiness.
CDRE Skinner was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service and a US Bronze Star Medal for his work in Afghanistan and an HNC Silver Commendation for his work on the Rizzo program. He has an honours degree in Aeronautical Engineering, a Masters of Science in Aerospace Vehicle Design, a Masters in Business Management and a Masters in Military and Defence Studies and is a graduate of Australian Command and Staff College. He is a Brookes Scholar, from Deakin University and is also a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Chartered Professional Engineer.
He is married to Nicole, and dad to their two school aged children, Isla and Hugh. He enjoys spending time with his family, surfing and cycling, and is a patrolling member of the Williamstown Surf Life Saving Club.
Mr Colin Dagg commenced his service with the Royal Australian Navy in 1980 as an adult recruit, initially training in Electronic Technical Systems before undertaking specialised studies in underwater sensors in San Diego for twelve months. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) from RMIT in 1990 and subsequently returned to sea as an engineering officer.
Throughout his distinguished Royal Australian Navy career, Mr Dagg held multiple sea postings, including two aboard HMAS Perth (II) (DDG), as well as assignments on HMA Ships Derwent, Sydney, and Melbourne. During his tenure on HMAS Melbourne, he participated in operational deployments to the Middle East and Timor. His shore-based roles primarily focused on sustainment and project management, including leadership of the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat Sustainment Management Office in Cairns and Darwin. Following his promotion to Commander, he was appointed Director of the Pacific Patrol Boat Project and System Program Office.
After completing the Joint Command and Staff Course in Kuwait, Mr Dagg served as the Project Director’s Representative for the FFG Upgrade Project in the FFG System Program Office from 2006 to 2010, earning a Head of Maritime Systems Silver Commendation for his contributions. In October 2014, as a Captain, he became the inaugural Director of Naval Technical Seaworthiness Assurance, spearheading the design and implementation of the Defence Seaworthiness Management System, a major Defence-wide initiative.
In recognition of his outstanding service, Mr Dagg was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his tenure as Chief Staff Officer (Engineering) in Fleet Command from 2010 to 2014. On 4 December 2017, he was promoted to Commodore and appointed Director General Engineering – Navy, where he led transformative changes to enhance engineering support for both Navy and CASG.
In March 2021, Mr Dagg retired from full-time service but continues to serve as an active Reservist Commodore. In 2022, he was appointed Assistant Secretary for the Australian Naval Classification Authority (ANCA), tasked with establishing and implementing the ANC Framework. His contributions to naval classification and technical assurance led to his permanent appointment as Assistant Secretary ANCA in May 2025.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Dagg and his wife, Dr Megan Spiers, share a passion for dendrology, outdoor adventures, and sea kayaking.
Following a long career in the Australian Defence Force as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy and in strategic workforce and headquarters roles, Michele joined Defence’s Senior Executive Service in March 2021 as the head of the Defence Security and Vetting Service Division and the Defence Chief Security Officer. In February 2021, Michele then moved to the Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force as the Head of Nuclear Powered Submarine Security. At the creation of the Australian Submarine Agency from 1 July 2023, Michele took up the inaugural role of Head Stewardship and Security. This role was responsible for ensuring a secure and uncompromised nuclear-powered submarine capability, and enabling the radiological safety of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine Program. In September 2024, Michele joined the Nuclear Powered Submarine Regulatory Design team to steward the Australian Naval Nuclear Propulsion Safety Regulations, and then assumed the role of the Head of the Division in mid-December 2024.
Michele is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy (1988-1991), the Australian Command and Staff Course (2005) and the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (2014), as well as having had time as the Visiting Navy Fellow at the National Security College at the Australian National University. Michele’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science (Oceanography and Honours in Information Systems, UNSW), a Graduate Certificate (Maritime Studies, UoW) and Masters of Arts (Defence Strategic Studies, Deakin).
In 2018 Michele became a Member of the Military Division of the Order of Australia for her service to Navy people and in leadership positions. Michele also serves as a Non-Executive Director for the veteran’s charity ‘Soldier On’, on the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme Advisory Board, and is a member of the Australian War Memorial Veterans Advisory Group.
Captain Gemma Mountney RAN, joined the Royal Navy at Britannia Royal Naval College in September 1999, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from the University College of St Martin, Lancaster, England. She is a graduate of the Australia Command and Staff College, and holds a Masters in Military and Defence Studies from Australian National University.
Joining the RAN in April 2008, she served in Mine Hunters prior to returning to the UK to complete the Royal Navy Advanced Mine Warfare Officers course in 2011. On completion, she took up the position of Staff Officer Mine Warfare within the Australian Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Task Group (AUSMCDTG), and then took command of Assail Two from May 2012, conducting Border Protection Operations as part of Operation RESOLUTE. On completion she moved to Canberra and worked in Border Protection Command as the Operations Officer to Commander Border Protection Command (OPSO to COMBPC). On promotion to Commander, she then worked in Navy capability as the Deputy Director Maritime Logistics working on the Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel, before becoming Director Navy Strategy Executive in Navy Headquarters. During her time in this role, CAPT Mountney was seconded to the Defence COVID19 Taskforce, prior to assuming the role of Commanding Officer of Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC). Captain Mountney is currently Director Navy Governance.
Captain Mountney resides in Canberra with her partner and their Staffordshire Terrier, and enjoys travel and being outdoors.