Commander John Stavridis
Commander John Stavridis, RAN was born in Sydney and completed secondary schooling at Trinity Grammar School before joining the Royal Australian Navy in 1988. On commissioning, he commenced tertiary studies and officer training at the Australian Defence Force Academy graduating as a ‘Distinguished Graduate’ in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Oceanography.
Following seaman officer training, he was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in 1994 in the Guided Missile Destroyer HMAS Hobart (II). After consolidation as an Officer of the Watch he specialised in Meteorology and Oceanography before Assistant Warfare Officer postings to HMA Ships Brisbane (II) and Sydney. He completed the Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) Course in 1999 with specialisations in Surface Warfare and Communications. In 2000 he assumed duties as the Anti-Submarine Warfare and Communications Officer in HMAS Anzac. During that posting LEUT Stavridis was promoted and undertook operational service in the Middle East.
On return to Australia LCDR Stavridis assumed duties as the Operations Officer in HMAS Anzac returning to the Middle East in 2002 where he saw operational service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His efforts were recognised with the award of a Chief of Defence Force Commendation along with the award of a Unit Citation to HMAS Anzac for meritorious service.
In July 2003 LCDR Stavridis assumed duties as the Fleet Electronic Warfare Officer in Sea Training Group. Following that posting he joined HMAS Stuart as the Executive Officer in December 2004 and in July 2006 he rejoined Sea Training Group as the Fleet Training Coordinator. In 2007 he completed the Singaporean Command and Staff Course after which he was promoted to Commander. On return to Australia CMDR Stavridis was posted to the Air Warfare Destroyer Project followed by duties as Commander Fleet Communications (N6) in Fleet Headquarters and later as Commander Collective Training in the newly established Training Force.
In June 2010 Commander Stavridis assumed command of HMAS Arunta prior to the ship entering a period extended readiness in March 2011. Following that posting, Commander Stavridis undertook duties as the Program Manager for the regeneration of a High End Warfighting Capability in the RAN (Program Pelorus).
CMDR Stavridis holds a Master of Science (Information Technology) and a Master of Commerce (Accounting). He is married to Louise and his interests include keeping fit, cooking, and listening to music.
CMDR Stavridis assumed Command of HMAS Anzac in December 2011.
