Commander Stephen Thompson

Commander Stephen Thompson, RAN joined the Navy as a 15 year old Junior Recruit through the, now decommissioned, Recruit Training Centre at HMAS Leeuwin in Western Australia in April 1974. After completing his training as a Radio Operator, he served in many classes of ships including the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (II), destroyer HMAS Brisbane and destroyer escorts HMA Ships Parramatta and Swan.

In 1990, at the rank of PO, he gained his Commission and was the Dux of his class at the Royal Australian Naval College. A posting back to sea in HMA Ships Sydney and Melbourne saw him gain his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and move into Principal Warfare Officer training. Graduating as a Communications specialist in 1995, he was posted back to Melbourne, service in the Middle East Area of Operation.

In 2003, LCDR Thompson completed a Masters Degree in Maritime Policy and was posted in Command of the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Wollongong. The ship was then sent to Operation Anode, the stabilisation of the Solomon Islands.

After being promoted to CMDR in 2005, he served as Director of Maritime Communications and Commander Operations at Fleet Headquarters, and Commander Sea Training – Minor War Vessels, prior to assuming his present position as Commanding Officer ARDENT ONE in July 2008.