Executive Officer HMAS Creswell
Commander Dave Graham, RAN
CMDR Dave Graham was born in Perth, Western Australia and was then raised and educated in Canberra. He completed a Bachelor of Science at the Australian University prior to his appointment as a Midshipman in the Royal Australian Navy. He graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell as the College Captain in 1992.
Initial Seaman Officer training at sea was conducted on HMA Ships Torrens (II) and Canberra (II) concluding with shore training at HMAS Watson, where was awarded dux of SEAAC 20C (JWAC). Promoted to Lieutenant in 1995, he was awarded his Bridge Watching Keeping Certificate whilst on exchange with the Canadian Forces (Navy) where he served as an Officer of the Watch on the frigate HMCS Regina running out of British Columbia.
On return to Australia Graham completed his initial submarine training at HMAS Stirling and was subsequently awarded his “Dolphins” whilst serving on HMAS Collins in 1997. He consolidated his training as the Navigating Officer of HMAS Waller in 1998, which prepared him for the Submarine Warfare Officer’s Course at HMAS Watson in 1999. Upon graduation Graham returned to sea as the Operations Officer of HMAS Farncomb until the end of 2000, he then completed a second posting as Operations Officer to HMAS Waller in 2001.
A promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 2002 in conjunction with the successful completion of the Submarine Executive Officer Course saw Graham appointed as the Executive Officer of HMAS Rankin for her commissioning and subsequent tasking. He was privileged to be assigned to HMAS Sheean in 2004 as the Executive Officer for her deployment to South-East Asia.
A brief posting ashore in 2005 to the Deployable Joint Force HQ (Maritime) at Maritime Headquarters in Sydney provided Graham with exposure to joint force planning and coalition operations. A highlight was his role in the planning and conduct of Exercise Talisman Saber and embarking as Battle Staff onboard USS Boxer.
In 2006 Graham assumed command of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat Crew Assail Two based in Darwin. He was privileged to command HMAS Maitland for her initial acceptance trials and commissioned her into naval service. During his time in command he gained significant exposure to Operation Resolute and conducted a number of boardings enforcing Australia’s maritime boundaries. Under his command Assail Two received the Kelly Shield for all round proficiency. Command at sea has been a highlight of his career and his leadership was recognised through the award of the Admiral Lord Nelson Sword of Excellence in 2008.
Graham was appointed as Staff Damage Control Officer to Flag Officer Sea Training in the United Kingdom in 2008. Based from Plymouth he oversaw the training and workup of Royal Navy and NATO warships. A highlight during this time was significant exposure to the introduction of the Type 45 Destroyer. Graham was promoted to Commander in 2010 and appointed Executive Officer to HMAS Creswell in January 2011.
A keen outdoor enthusiast and traveller, Graham has tackled the highest peaks in Africa and South America. He has recently taking up long distance running and has completed a number of marathons, including a recent ultra-marathon in the south of England. He enjoys good food and holds a culinary apprenticeship from Southern Italy. He enjoys all water-sports and a coastal lifestyle on the south coast of New South Wales.
