Commanding Officer HMAS Warramunga
Commander Michael Turner, RAN
Commander Michael Turner, RAN was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland, and joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1989 through the Australian Defence Force Academy, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) in 1992. After completing junior Seaman Officer training in April 1994, Sub Lieutenant Turner earned his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in HMAS Brisbane (II) in December 1994.
After consolidating bridge watchkeeping skills in HMAS Hobart (II) Lieutenant Turner undertook Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer training to dual specialise as a Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer, earning his certificate of competence in HMAS Brisbane (II) in 1996. Electing to stream as a Seaman Officer, Lieutenant Turner conducted Principal Warfare Officer training in 1998, graduating as an Air Warfare Officer. Postings followed to HMAS Hobart (II) and HMAS Anzac as Gunnery and Operations Officers respectively. Lieutenant Commander Turner deployed to the Middle East as Operations Officer in HMAS Anzac for Operation DAMASK in mid 2001. Anzac remained in the Middle East after September 11 2001 as rotation 0 in Operation SLIPPER as the Australian Government’s initial response in the Global War on Terrorism.
In 2002 Lieutenant Commander Turner served on exchange with the United Stated Navy at the Surface Warfare Development Group in Norfolk, Virginia. On returning to Australia in 2004 he joined HMAS Arunta as Executive Officer. During his tenure Arunta participated in Operation RELEX II, a North East Asian deployment and an extensive maintenance period with subsequent workup to return to operational service. After graduating from the Australian Command and Staff Course in 2006, Lieutenant Commander Turner served as the Staff Officer to the Vice Chief of Defence Force in 2007.
Commander Turner was promoted to his present rank in 2008 and was assigned to the Middle East as part of Operations CATALYST and SLIPPER as Combined Maritime Forces Assistant Chief of Staff Plans and Australian Liaison Officer to Commander Fifth Fleet, in Bahrain. On returning to Australia Commander Turner took up staff duties at Navy Strategic Command as Director of Navy Warfare Professional Requirements before taking Command of HMAS Warramunga on 16 December 2010.
Commander Turner has completed a Master of Business Administration (Technology Management) and a Master of Maritime Studies.
Commander Turner is married to Alexandra, and they have two young sons Nicholas and Christopher. Commander Turner is a keen follower of Rugby Union and Cricket, enjoys gardening and the odd game of social tennis and golf.
