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The University of Tasmania has announced 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.
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The university said it is "delighted" at the appointment of van Balen, with College of Sciences and Engineering dean Professor Brian Yates noting the appointment comes at 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.”
Van Balen will commence his role as AMC principal on 13 May 2019, and comes following a career spanning nearly four decades in the Royal Australian Navy.
After joining RAN as a cadet in the 1970s, van Balen progressed to hold 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.
Van Balen 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.
