Chris Ritchie

Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie (left) receives an award from Admiral Vern Clark, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, February 2003

[edit] Career highlights

Graduated from the RAN College at Jervis Bay in 1968.
Received further training at sea and in the United Kingdom before undertaking a succession of seagoing appointments and a staff appointment at the NATO School of Maritime Operations at HMS DRYAD.
Commands have included HMAS Tarakan (L 129), HMAS Torrens (DE 53), and HMAS Brisbane (D 41).
- During his period in command of HMAS Brisbane, the ship deployed to the Persian Gulf where she participated for the duration of the Persian Gulf War.
- In 1991, as a result of this service, he was appointed a Member in the Military Division of the Order of Australia.
In 1992, he attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
On completion he was promoted to Commodore and had appointments in Naval Policy and Warfare, and Military Strategy and Concepts.
In 1997 he was promoted to Rear Admiral and appointed as Maritime Commander Australia.
From May 1999, served briefly as Deputy Chief of Navy.
Soon appointed as Head of Capability Systems in the Australia Department of Defence.
- As a consequence of his service in these appointments he was promoted to Officer in the Military Division of the Order of Australia in January 2001.
He was appointed as Commander Australian Theatre on 3 August 2001. He was the first Commander to have previously served as a Component Commander (for Navy) to the Headquarters.
Assumed command of the Royal Australian Navy from Vice Admiral David Shackleton 3 July 2002.

It's an Honour - Centenary Medal - 01 January 2001
Citation: For services to Australian society through the Royal Australian Navy.
It's an Honour - Officer of the Order of Australia - 26 January 2001
Citation: For distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Navy as the Maritime Commander Australia, Deputy Chief of Navy and Head Capability Systems.