AUKUS and Nuclear-Powered Submarines – the future for Australia

Just over a year ago, the AUKUS agreement was announced out of the blue, and has since been the subject of public discussion, shaping the future of Australia's defence and strategic position. 

Join us for an intimate talk and Q&A session with Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, AO, RAN - Chief of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Task Force - for the opportunity to understand and learn about Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, and discover opportunities stemming from it.

Event details

Date: Thursday 15 June 2023
Time: 5:45pm -8:00pm 
Venue: The Commonwealth Club Canberra, 25 Forster Cres, Yarralumla 
Dress Code: Business attire. No jeans or sneakers. 
Catering: Canapes and drinks provided 
Cost: Free to attend
Registrations: Registrations essential, click the button below to register today

Speaker    

Vice Admiral Mead joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1984. On completion of initial training, he commenced Mine Clearance Diving and Explosive Ordnance training; and served as Executive Officer of Clearance Diving Team One.  In 1993, he trained as a Principal Warfare Officer, which was followed by sea postings as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer of HMA  Ships Melbourne and Arunta, and Executive Officer of HMAS Arunta. 

In 2005, Vice Admiral Mead assumed the position as Commanding Officer of the frigate HMAS Parramatta. He saw active service in the North Arabian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, with the ship’s efforts recognised with a Meritorious Unit Citation in 2007 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his exceptional service in warlike conditions.  During 2007, Vice Admiral Mead undertook studies at the National Defence College of New Delhi and was appointed Australia’s Defence Adviser to the Republic of India. 

In 2010, Vice Admiral Mead returned to Canberra to take up the position as Director Naval Personnel Policy. Following his promotion to Commodore in July 2011, he deployed to Bahrain as Commander of Combined Task Force 150 (Maritime Counter Terrorism) on Operation Slipper, and was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.

On promotion to Rear Admiral in January 2015, he spent the next three years as the Head of Navy Capability in Canberra.  From January 2018 to November 2020, Vice Admiral Mead served as Commander of the Australian Fleet. In June 2020, Vice Admiral Mead was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia for his service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior management and command roles. Upon promotion to Vice Admiral in November 2020, he assumed the position as Chief of Joint Capabilities and Command of Joint Capabilities Group.

In September 2021, he was selected as the Chief of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce. Vice Admiral Mead holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations, a Master’s Degree in Management, and a PhD in International Relations. He has published a book on Indian national security.

We look forward to seeing you on the night and encourage you to share this invitation or the event information with any other UNSW (Canberra or Sydney) alumni living in the ACT and surrounds.