First woman to lead the army, navy chief now new head of defence force

Navy chief Mark Hammond will become the new head of the Australian Defence Force in a significant reshuffle that also includes the appointment of the nation’s first female army chief.

Hammond, a former submariner, will take up the role in July following the resignation of current defence force chief David Johnston after two years in the role.

Susan Coyle, the current head of joint capabilities, will become army chief, replacing Simon Stuart following his retirement.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said Coyle’s appointment was “a deeply historic moment, one that should be noted”.

“As Susan said to me, ‘You cannot be what you cannot see’,” Marles said.

“And Susan’s achievement will be deeply significant to women who are serving in the Australian Defence Force today and women who are thinking about serving in the Australian Defence Force in the future.”

Coyle, who joined the Army Reserves as a soldier in 1987 before holding a series of senior roles, is the first woman to lead a branch of the defence force – army, navy and air force.

Prime Minister Albanese said Hammond had enjoyed a distinguished career, including 40 years in the navy, including as a submarine commander.

Marles said Hammond had “been right at the heart” of the plan to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact, and had done an “incredible job” as navy chief since 2022.

Hammond and Albanese formed a strong working relationship, including on trips together to the US.

Johnston is retiring as expected after being appointed to a two-year term as defence force chief in 2024.

Former submarine commander Matthew Buckley will replace Hammond as the chief of navy.

The government has yet to appoint a new secretary for the Department of Defence to replace Greg Moriarty, who is heading to Washington to become ambassador to the United States.

More to come.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.