Commanding Officer Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Ardent Six

Lieutenant Commander Matthew Richardson, RAN

Lieutenant Commander Matthew Richardson, RAN was born in Canberra and grew up in Newcastle, NSW. He joined the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1990 and gained his initial sea experience in HMA Ships SWAN (DE) and HOBART (DDG). He was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificates in HMA Ships WHYALLA (PTF) and SYDNEY (FFG), before joining HMAS IPSWICH (PTF) as Navigator in 1996.

Richardson then served in HMAS HAWKESBURY (MHC) in 1998 as her Commissioning Crew Navigator and in HMAS BENDIGO (PTF) in 2000 as Executive Officer. In 2002, he completed the Mine Warfare Officers' course and after brief sea service in HMAS DIAMANTINA (MHC) he commenced an enjoyable posting with the Minor War Vessel Sea Training Unit as Staff Officer Gunnery and then as Staff Officer Navigation (2).

In 2005, Richardson posted as Executive Officer of Hydrographic Ship crew HS WHITE, serving in HMA Ships LEEUWIN and MELVILLE. He then accepted a shore posting in Canberra at the Directorate of Naval Officers' Postings as a desk officer responsible for managing the career of seaman officers. On 16 June 2008 he achieved a career ambition and returned to sea with the Patrol Boat Force, assuming Command of Ardent Six.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of NSW and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of New England. He is an avid NSW rugby supporter and enjoys wine tasting, fishing and attempting to play golf.