Commanding Officer HMAS Darwin
Commander Christopher Smith, CSM, RAN
Commander Christopher Smith, CSM, RAN joined the Royal Australian Naval College in 1989. On completion of initial officer training he undertook sea training in HMA Ships Stalwart (II), Parramatta (III), Brunei and Perth (II) before receiving his bridge watch keeping certificate in Ipswich and subsequent postings to bridge watchkeeping positions in Perth and Brisbane.
After a posting as the Navigating Officer in HMAS Geraldton from 1993 to 1995, he was promoted to Lieutenant and spent 14 months posted as an instructor at the Bridge Simulator at HMAS Watson. From 1996 to 1999 he was appointed as the Navigating Officer in HMA Ships Canberra (II) and Anzac, having completed the inaugural Advanced Navigation course as dux in 1998. A highlight of his tenure in Anzac was the ships participation in the Korean International Fleet Review.
In 1999 he undertook Principal Warfare Officer (PWO) training at HMAS Watson graduating as a PWO Air Warfare in June 2000, having been awarded the Sword of Excellence as overall dux of the course and the Sydney-Emden prize. Immediately on completion of the course he joined HMAS Darwin as the Gunnery Officer. During his tenure Darwin completed a North-East Asian deployment, represented the RAN at the Indian Navy Fleet Review and was deployed in support of the International Peace Monitoring Team in the Solomon Islands.
Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in January 2002 he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal on the Australia Day Honours list. In July 2002 he assumed command of HMAS Gladstone. During his tenure in command Gladstone deployed to the Solomon Islands as part of Operation Helpem Friend and was awarded the 2003 Minor War Vessel Concentration Period Proficiency Shield and was Runner up in the Kelly Shield in that same year.
In 2004 he attended the Australian Command and Staff Course and was then appointed as a staff officer to the Chief of Defence Force in 2005, highlights of the posting included attendance at the 90th anniversary service of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli and conducting a visit to Australian forces on operations in Sudan.
In 2006, on promotion to Commander, he was posted as the Deputy Director of Sailors’ Career Management where he received a System Commander’s Commendation for his contribution to RAN career management. In the first half of 2008 he deployed to Operation Catalyst as the Australian Liaison Officer to the US Central Command Forward Headquarters. He assumed Command of HMAS Darwin in December 2008.
Commander Chris Smith holds a Masters of Management in Defence Studies from the University of Canberra and a Masters in Maritime Studies from the University of Wollongong. He is married to Michelle, and they have three children Oliver, Grayson and Connor.
