Deputy Chief of Navy

RADM Matt Buckley

Rear Admiral Matthew Paul Buckley, AM, CSC, RAN (January 2025 - present)

Biography

RADM Buckley was born in in Sydney Australia, spending his school years growing up on the NSW South Coast. He joined the Royal Australian Navy in January 1990 and graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy in December 1992.

RADM Buckley spent the tactical phase of his career serving in Oberon and Collins Class submarines, with highlights being two years on exchange in a Canadian Submarine based in Halifax Nova Scotia, and serving in the commissioning crew of HMAS Rankin. Following completion of the Submarine Command Course “Perisher” and the tactical phase of the USN Submarine Command Course, RADM Buckley commanded the Submarine HMAS Collins and later served as the Commander of the Australian Submarine Force. RADM Buckley’s sea service was extensively in the Western Pacific, fostering a deep interest in the region.

RADM Buckley has served in a number of senior staff appointments including as Director Submarine Capability, Director General Navy Operations, Director General Navy People and Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability. He is a graduate of the Australian Defence and Strategic Studies course where he received the Secretary of Defence - Chief of Defence Force prize. RADM Buckley commenced as Deputy Chief of Navy in January 2025.

RADM Buckley was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2015 for his contribution to the Submarine Capability, and in January 2024 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for exceptional service in senior leadership roles within the Royal Australian Navy. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Strategy and Policy from the University of New South Wales, and a Masters of International Relations from Deakin University.