Petty Officer (PO) Stacey was born in Coffs Harbour, NSW. He began working life as a scaffolder before deciding he wanted something more challenging and fulfilling.

‘I wanted something that was more of a career … more of an adventure,’ he recalls. He joined the Royal Australian Navy in July 2012 as a marine technician.

PO Stacey has served across a wide range of submarine and fleet support environments. He has also contributed significantly to capability development and training through roles with Sea Training Group Submarines and the Fleet Support Unit. Promoted to Petty Officer in 2022, he has become known for his meticulous engineering standards and proactive approach to problem-solving.

PO Stacey conducted an extensive review of submarine planned maintenance schedules, correcting enduring technical faults, enhancing safety and improving procedural compliance. He designed digital departmental logs that automate and standardise routine administration, resulting in greater accuracy and efficiency in defect management.

A strong mentor, PO Stacey has played a pivotal role in raising the technical proficiency of junior marine technicians and officers. He delivers tailored training and assessments that help members approach qualification boards with confidence.

PO Stacey’s career highlights include his operational deployments, where he observes ‘everyone is focused around achieving a specific goal.' His service has taken him to Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Guam and around Australia. Outside work, he enjoys caravanning and touring, returning home to 3 cats who, he jokes, ‘sometimes’ get along.