Commanding Officer HMAS Sydney
Captain Luke Charles-Jones, CSC, OAM, RAN
Captain Luke Charles-Jones, CSC, OAM, RAN joined the Royal Australian Navy from North East Victoria in January 1986. Following initial entry training at the Australian Defence Force Academy and HMAS Creswell, he undertook Seaman Officer training serving in a variety of Warships to be awarded a Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in the Destroyer Escort HMAS Swan in 1990. In 1991, he posted to Darwin serving on Fisheries Patrol and Border Protection duties in the Patrol Boat, HMAS Geelong (II). On completion, he posted as Navigating Officer to the frigate, HMAS Canberra (II) (1993-1995), participating in a variety of regional and North Asian deployments. In October 1995, the then LEUT Charles-Jones commenced sub-specialist training as a Navigator and Principle Warfare Officer at HMAS Watson, posting as the Commander Task Group Navigator in HMAS Adelaide (II) in January 1997.
Throughout 1998 he served in a number of positions, which included Staff Officer Navigation to the Commander Australian Patrol Boat Forces, Operations Officer in HMAS Westralia (II) and subsequently joined Sea Training Group for duties as the Training Co-ordinator and Fleet Navigator.
In December 2001, LCDR Charles-Jones was posted to Western Australia as the Executive officer in HMAS Anzac. During service in Anzac, the ship was tasked for duties in Border Protection (Operation Relex) and later deployed to the Middle East conducting Operations’ Slipper and Falconer from October 2002 until May 2003. During this deployment, LCDR Charles-Jones was promoted to Commander in January 2003.
In late 2003, CMDR Charles-Jones posted to Victoria and assumed command of the RAN Recruit School, HMAS Cerberus. Following two years ashore, CMDR Charles-Jones returned to Western Australia to assume duties as the Commanding Officer, HMAS Arunta (November 2005 - June 2007). Selected for promotion, CAPT Charles-Jones was appointed as Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at Fleet Headquarters in January 2008. As a result of New Generation Navy structural re-organisation, CAPT Charles-Jones was appointed as the inaugural Director of Maritime Operations, Navy Strategic Command in July 2009.
CAPT Charles-Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a graduate Diploma in Social Science and is a 2010 graduate of the Centre of Defence and Strategic Studies, receiving a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies). In 2003, Charles-Jones was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services in Anzac when preparing and conducting Naval Gunfire Support off the Al Faw Peninsula, Iraq. In 2010, he received a Conspicuous Service Cross for achievements during service as the Director of Maritime Operations.
CAPT Charles-Jones assumed command of HMAS Sydney in July 2011.
