New Commander of the Fleet

Today marks a significant moment for our Navy as command of the Australian Fleet passes from Rear Admiral Chris Smith AM CSM RAN, to Rear Admiral Anita Williams CSC CSM RAN.

For nearly four years as Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Smith has led the Fleet through sustained operational commitments and a period of major capability transition, strengthening our fleet to be focused, lethal and ready to deliver maritime power in support of Australia’s national interests.

As Rear Admiral Williams assumes command, she carries forward that momentum – focused on #AusNavy’s people, partners, platforms and purpose.

Rear Admiral (RADM) Williams joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1994 before specialising as a Navigator and Warfare Officer. Her seagoing appointments included HMA Ships Adelaide (II), Canberra (II) and Kanimbla, command of HMA Ships Bundaberg (II) and Childers as Commanding Officer Patrol Boat Crew ARDENT TWO, and command of HMAS Newcastle.

Her shore appointments have included Fleet Navigating Officer, Chief of Staff to Commodore Warfare, Director Surface Combatants, Director Navy Career Management, Director General Maritime Surface and Above Water Combat, and most recently Deputy Fleet Commander and Director General Fleet Lethality and Force Generation.

Her operational service includes Operations CRANBERRY, RELEX II and RESOLUTE, as well as deployments on Operation WARDEN (East Timor), Operation SUMATRA ASSIST (Indonesia) and Operation INDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR throughout South-East Asia and the North Indian Ocean as Commanding Officer of HMAS Newcastle.

An alumna of Naval Command College, RADM Williams attended the United States Naval War College in 2020 and holds a Bachelor of Science with majors in Oceanography and Computer Science, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies and a Master of Business Administration. She was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal in 2013 for outstanding dedication and achievement in Warfare Division at Fleet Headquarters, and a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2019 for outstanding achievement in command of HMAS Newcastle.