Naval Historical Society of Australia
Preserving Australia's Naval History
Speaker: Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead AM RAN
Commander Australian Fleet
Subject: Protecting Australia’s Sea Routes
Rear Admiral Mead assumed the position of Commander Australian Fleet on 19 January 2018. He graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College in 1986 with a Diploma of Applied Science. He specialised in Mine Clearance Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and after serving as Executive Officer of Clearance Diving Team One, he undertook Principal Warfare Officer (ASW) training. A succession of warfare postings then followed, including: Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer in HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Arunta, Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Executive Officer of HMAS Arunta. In 2005, Commander Mead took command of HMAS Parramatta and saw active service in the North Arabian Gulf as part of Operation CATALYST in 2005-06; for this his ship was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation and he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). He undertook studies at the Indian National Defence College in 2007 after which he was appointed as Australia’s Defence Adviser to India. Promoted to Commodore, in July 2011, he deployed to the Middle East where he commanded Combined Task Force 150, responsible for maritime counter terrorism, and was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service. Upon his return to Fleet Headquarters in 2012, he served as Commander Surface Force. In January 2015, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and assumed the position as Head Navy Capability.
Rear Admiral Mead holds a Masters Degree in International Relations, a Masters Degree in Management and a PhD in International Relations. He is the author of Indian National Security: ‘Misguided Men and Guided Missiles’ published in 2010.
Lecture commences at 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm
Mitchell Theatre (Level 1) Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts
280 Pitt Street Sydney
Lunchtime Lectures are open to any interested person.
Attendance fees are:
Institute Members $10.00; Non-members $15.00.
Payment will be collected at the lecture. Pre-event registration is not required.
Sandwiches served: 12.00 noon
(cost $8.00 to be paid on the day) must be pre-ordered by calling 8262 2922
Sandwich orders must be provided no later than
10.00 am Monday 29 October 2018