Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a significant reshuffle at the very top of the Australian Defence Force, naming Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as the nation’s next Chief of the Defence Force.
Vice Admiral Hammond will take over the ADF’s most senior role in July, replacing long‑serving Admiral David Johnston, who will retire after nearly five decades in uniform.
The shake‑up also delivers a historic first for the Army, with Lieutenant General Susan Coyle set to become the first woman ever to lead Australia’s land forces.
Vice Admiral Hammond, the current Chief of Navy, brings four decades of naval experience to the role, having served in surface ships, submarines and senior fleet commands.
Appointed Chief of Navy in 2022, he has played a central role in shaping Australia’s future maritime force, including the nation‑defining AUKUS plan to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.
In another landmark move, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will step into the role of Chief of Army, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, who also retires in July.
Lieutenant General Coyle’s appointment marks a historic moment for the ADF.
She enlisted as a soldier in the Army Reserve in 1987 and rose through the ranks to command at every level of warfighting, from Afghanistan to the Middle East.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) announced the major shake up to the Defence Force on Monday
Mark Hammond (pictured) has been named as the nation’s next Chief of the Defence Force
Her previous roles include Commander Forces Command, Head of Information Warfare and Chief of Joint Capabilities.
She will become the first woman to command the Australian Army in its 124‑year history.
Lieutenant General Stuart, the first Chief of Army to begin his career as an enlisted soldier, was praised for preparing the service for major structural and cultural reform under the National Defence Strategy.
The Navy will also see new leadership, with Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley promoted to Chief of Navy.
A submariner by background, Rear Admiral Buckley previously commanded HMAS Collins and the Submarine Force and served as Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability before becoming Deputy Chief of Navy in 2025.
The Government said his experience uniquely positions him to lead the Navy through the AUKUS era and a broader surface fleet expansion.
Secretary of the Department of Defence Greg Moriarty will conclude his tenure on April 19, before taking up the role of Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, replacing Kevin Rudd.
A new secretary will be confirmed at a later date.