The Head of Navy Capability is responsible for implementation of both current and future Navy capability, including all Navy programs and projects, from concept through to acquisition, in service use and ultimately disposal of the system. The rank associated with the position is Rear Admiral (2-star).

Rear Admiral Andrew Quinn RAN

Key appointments

Head of Navy Capability (July 2026 – present)

Biography

As Head of Navy Capability, RADM Andrew Quinn, RAN has the honour to be Chief of Navy’s principle representative for current and future Navy Capabilities, for which he is deeply committed, passionate about.

He joined the Royal Australian Navy from Mackay, Queensland in 1988. He graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science. Early in his career he served as an Officer of the Watch and Fighter Controller on Australian and Canadian Frigates.

In 1998 he graduated as a Principal Warfare Officer (Air), and subsequently served as the Gunnery Officer on the Frigates HMA Ships Sydney and Adelaide. In 2003 he assumed Command of the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Bunbury and in 2005 the Armidale Class Patrol boat HMAS Bathurst. After serving as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Project Director and within the Anzac Anti-Ship Missile Defence Upgrade Project, he assumed Command of the ANZAC Class Frigate HMAS Toowoomba in 2009. RADM Quinn has served in operations in Haiti, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Border Protection and in the Middle East. RADM Quinn was awarded a Commendation for Conspicuous Service for his Command of HMAS Toowoomba.

In 2013, RADM Quinn served as Director Frigates, responsible for the through-life capability of the Anzac Class and Project Sponsor of the Future Frigate Project. In 2017 RADM Quinn completed the Australian Defence and Strategic Studies Course as well as a Masters of Arts (Strategic Studies). In 2018 RADM Quinn served as the Combined Maritime Forces Director Operations and Commander Maritime Task Group Middle East Region, as part of Australia’s commitment to promote maritime security. In this capacity RADM Quinn was awarded the US Legion of Merit. In 2019 and 2020 RADM Quinn served as the Commander Australian Maritime Task Group, leading Maritime Task Groups as either a Sea Combat Commander or as a Commander Task Group. This has included multiple operational deployments in the Indo-Pacific.

In November 2020, RADM Quinn commenced as Director General Surface Combatants and Aviation, responsible for the through-life capability of surface and aviation assets. RADM Quinn then served as the Director General – Modernisation, Assessment and Assurance in Joint Operations Command.

On promotion to Rear Admiral, in December 2024, RADM Quinn served as the Head Space and Cyber Capabilities in Joint Capabilities Group. He commenced his current posting as Head of Navy Capability in July 2026.