Deputy Chief of Navy

CDRE Young is in command of Navy Headquarters and acts as Chief of Navy when directed to do so.

Commodore Eric Young

Deputy Chief of Navy (June 2024 - present)

Biography

Following initial training at the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Naval College, he trained as a Meteorologist and Oceanographer prior to completing his initial warfare training. He was the Dux of both the Principal Warfare Officer course and later the Force Warfare Officer Course, dual specialising in Under-Sea and Above Water Warfare.

He has undertaken sea postings in HMA Ships Stuart (x2), Parramatta, Anzac (x2), Kanimbla, Canberra, Perth and Hobart. Ashore, Commodore Young has also served in Fleet Headquarters, Navy Headquarters, Australian Defence Headquarters, Headquarters Joint Operations Command, Maritime Border Command, Maritime Task Force Headquarters in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, and the National COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.

Commodore Young was recognised for his time as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Navy, with the award of a Conspicuous Service Cross on Australia Day 2021. He has also been recognised with commendations from the Chief of Navy, Commander Australian Theatre, Chief of Joint Operations and Commander Joint Task Force 633.

On 19 July 2021, Commodore Young completed his secondment with the Department of Health’s Vaccine Operations Centre, and returned to the Department of Defence as the Strategic Adviser to the Chief of Navy. On 11 October 2021, Commodore Young began his tenure as General Navy People and on 16 October 2023 commenced his role as Chief of Staff Navy Headquarters.

CDRE Young has assumed the role of acting Deputy Chief of Navy from 28 June 2024.