The Warrant Officer of the Navy (WO-N) is accountable to the Chief of Navy (CN). They are the most senior sailor in the Royal Australian Navy and may exercise command over all other sailors.

The WO-N represents the views and concerns of sailors on matters that affect Navy. They are the principal adviser to the CN on workforce, leadership, culture and the profession of arms. The WO-N advises on regulations and conditions of service and monitors the effectiveness of the Divisional System. They also guide warrant officers' and senior sailors' messes on administration and protocol matters.

The WO-N works closely with the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army and the Warrant Officer of the Air Force. They are the senior non-commissioned representative of personnel at major ceremonial events, official functions and civic receptions. The WO-N is also a permanent member of advisory groups and councils, and serves as a director on the Navy Health Board.

Warrant Officer Cheryl Collins OAM CSM

Key appointments

Warrant Officer of the Navy (2026 – present)

Biography

Warrant Officer Cheryl Collins joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1996 from Cootamundra, New South Wales, as a Combat Systems Operator. Her early service included operational deployments to East Timor, the Middle East under Operations SLIPPER and CATALYST, and border protection duties under Operation RELEX II. Throughout her career, she has served at sea, ashore and in joint and multinational headquarters, building extensive operational and leadership experience across the Navy.

Recognised for excellence in Electronic Warfare, Cheryl was awarded the Litton Trophy for Excellence in Electronic Warfare and a NAVSYSCOM Bronze Commendation for her contribution to Electronic Warfare capability. She was selected for accelerated promotion to Chief Petty Officer in 2008 and later promoted to Warrant Officer in 2012, holding a range of increasingly senior leadership appointments, including Electronic Warfare Category Manager, Fleet Electronic Warfare Manager, Command Warrant Officer of HMAS Perth and HMAS Stuart, Force Warrant Officer for Mine Warfare, Clearance Diving, Hydrographic, Meteorological and Patrol Force, Command Warrant Officer – Training Force, Command Warrant Officer – Navy People, Command Warrant Officer – Fleet Command, and Warrant Officer Joint Operations.

Committed to continual professional development, Cheryl is a graduate of the United States Keystone Course, the Australian Command and Staff College, and holds a Master of Defence and Strategic Studies from the Australian National University.

Across three decades of service, Cheryl has built a reputation as a trusted adviser, dedicated mentor and passionate advocate for Navy's people, professionalism and fighting capability. In July 2026, she was selected as the 11th Warrant Officer of the Royal Australian Navy, the Navy's most senior sailor and principal adviser to the Chief of Navy on matters affecting the workforce, leadership, culture and the profession of arms.

Cheryl is married to Damian, and together they enjoy cycling, swimming, gardening and spending time with their much-loved dog, Winnie.