The University of Tasmania is delighted to announce the appointment of retired Australian Rear Admiral and former Deputy Chief of Navy, Michael van Balen, as the new Principal of the Australian Maritime College.
Mr van Balen brings to the role a wealth of experience from an outstanding career spanning more than 38 years in the Royal Australian Navy.
After joining the Navy as a cadet in the late 1970s, Mr Van Balen has held several key positions including Principal Warfare Officer, Commanding Officer of HMAS Sydney, Chief of Defence Force Liaison Officer to United States Central Command, Deputy Chief of Navy and Head Navy Personnel, Training and Resources.
He has received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in the 2005 Australia Day Honours List and was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in January 2015.
College of Sciences and Engineering Executive Dean, Professor Brian Yates welcomed the appointment which comes a critical time for AMC.
As the national institute for maritime education, training and research, AMC has a remit which will be of great importance as Australia seeks to achieve sovereign capability in the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise,” Professor Yates said.
“At the same time, AMC will work closely with the State as part of the State’s Defence strategy, the development of the Defence Network and the proposal for the Maritime Defence Innovation and Design Precinct at Newnham.
“AMC will be an integral connector for Defence primes and in creating new opportunities for small to medium enterprises in Tasmania. Michael and the leadership team will oversee the development of a new strategic plan that captures the role of AMC nationally and internationally and defines its role and priorities in that context.”
Mr Van Balen will commence as AMC Principal on Monday, 13 May.
Published on: 17 Apr 2019
