Lieutenant Commander Paul Ruhl

Lieutenant Commander Paul Ruhl, RAN from Nowra NSW, joined the RAN in 1990. He attended the Australian Defence Force Academy before becoming Academy Sailing Champion in 1991 and graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts (Politics). As a junior seaman officer SBLT Ruhl served in HMA Ships Kanimbla and Tobruk before posting to HMAS Westralia, where he was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate. A posting to Guided Missile Frigate HMAS Melbourne as an Officer of the Watch followed.

LEUT Ruhl then served in the Operations Room at Headquarters Australian Theatre (HQAST) from 1997 until 1999 before being rewarded with a posting to Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour where he served as Executive Officer (Sailing Master) and Boats Officer from 1999 until 2002.

In 2002 LEUT Ruhl completed the Mine Warfare course and was posted to HMAS Diamantina as Weapons/Operations Officer, HMAS Huon, as Operations Officer in 2003 and HMAS Norman as Executive Officer in 2004. In 2006 he was promoted to LCDR.

LCDR Ruhl completed the Commanding Officer Designate Course and assumed Command of ASSAIL THREE (Commissioning Crew of NUSHIP Ararat) in May 2006.

Ruhl has a keen interest in most sports, but is an avid golfer, fisherman, sailor and a rugby union fanatic. Ruhl currently lives in Parap, Darwin with his family.