Captain Cadeyrn Okely’s Navy career has been shaped by opportunity, service and a desire to give back.

Born in Vietnam, he was adopted by Australian diplomats during the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. His family later lived in the United Kingdom, Russia and the United States before returning to Australia.

After finishing school, Captain Okely joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1991.

‘Knowing that Australia had given me such a good start and such an amazing life,’ he said. ‘I thought, what better way to give back than to serve?’

He began as an Underwater Controller Submariner before becoming an Electronics Technician. After reaching the rank of Petty Officer, he commissioned as a Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer in 2000.

His career has included working on submarines, surface ships, operational deployments and engineering leadership roles. Among his highlights was serving in HMAS Anzac during the ship’s maiden voyage around the world. He also worked on the Nulka anti-ship missile defence decoy program during a three-year posting to Washington, DC.

Captain Okely left Navy for 2 years before returning as Director Fleet Engineering in 2024. In this role, he helps shape engineering standards for Navy’s technical workforce.

His experiences have also strengthened his commitment to mentoring and creating an inclusive Navy. He has seen significant changes in diversity and acceptance during his career.

‘Navy is a slice of Australian society,’ he said.

‘Do I feel I belong in Navy? Absolutely. Navy is the place for me.’

He now hopes his experience can encourage others to recognise what they can achieve.

‘Navy allows me to defend Australia and the life it has provided me,’ he said.

It also gives him the opportunity to develop the people who will protect its legacy.