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Welcome to Naval Association of Australia
We seek to provide an active and rich future that requires determined members.
Being a member sustains the legacy of past service and sacrifice.
The NAA pursue five objectives that underpin our mission:
- Care (welfare) for the diverse and crucial support of Navy and ex-Navy men and women,
- Commemoration by maintaining the legacy of past service and sacrifice.
- Cadets (ANC) by assisting youths to become better citizens through support to the ANC.
- Camaraderie to meet and socialise with like-minded Navy and ex-Navy men and women.
- Community (Engagement) How we interact with and support our local communities.
Our aim is to be a dynamic and contemporary organisation supporting the Navy fraternity in a wide range of different ways with Mateship at the core of our ethos.
The Naval Association of Australia (NAA) was established in 1920. The NAA is the only national organisation with the sole purpose of looking after the interests of serving Navy and ex-Navy men and women. We believe that...
Every member is important to the NAA, the benefit to an individual may not be obvious, however, you will give Voice to Navy in the wider community. The five objectives underpinning our values point to the significance of membership. Compensation, rehabilitation and wellbeing entitlements provided to Navy and ex-Navy men and women today is the result of decades of dedicated work by NAA members.
The NAA is responsible for the HMAS Sydney II Virtual Memorial Website.
Keep an eye on the Notice Board for important information
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VALE Peter Cooke-Russell (1939-2026) |
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In my capacity as the National President of the Naval Association of Australia (NAA) it is my solemn duty to advise that our much loved and respected NAA colleague Mr Peter Cooke-Russell, ‘Crossed the Bar’ at his Canberra home on Wednesday 29 April 2026. For all within the NAA he was an oracle on all matters pertaining to the history and functioning of our Association, and the history of our Paret Service, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). He was a most trusted friend and mentor to all within the NAA wherein he was an Icon of all that we espouse. Details of the Funeral Service here in Canberra will be advised in due course. The impetus of his service to the NAA is undoubtedly borne of his long-term service in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). His sense of allegiance to the Navy and those who have served, manifested itself so admirably within both entities. All who shared and benefited from his camaraderie and advocacy work have found him to be someone of impeccable personal qualities, possessing a heightened sense of integrity, honesty, loyalty, trustworthiness and, that he gave of himself in a totally selfless and unconditional manner in all that he undertook in the service of others.
Mr Peter Cooke-Russell’s Naval Career and NAA Service: Peter’s service in the NAA began in 1995, and thereafter he has provided exemplary service to the Association, Kindred Veteran Agencies and the editing of Historical Accounts prior to publication. Positions he held included:
Key NAA Advocacy Achievements in which Peter had a pivotal role included:
National and NAA Awards Received:
Editing Assistance Provided in the Publications of Naval History Books included:
In addition to Peter’s extensive contributions, he had fulfilled the duties of Editor of the indispensable monthly NAA ACT Newsletter, ‘The Bosun’s Call’ from its inception in 1996. In compiling this informative newsletter, he would reach out to Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Government and Ministerial Offices and overseas agencies for relevant information and ‘articles of interest’ to NAA Members and where possible, attain a wider distribution within the Ex-Services Organisation (ESO) readership, Veterans and Government officers. Early in 2024, in addition to The ACT Section Bosun’s Call Newsletter, a national publication known as the ‘NAA National Bosun’s Call’ was added to his editorial responsibilities. This has been a very effective and timely means of conveying important and topical information nationally within the Association by hard-copy and electronically. This is particularly helpful where we find that not all members are able to attend meetings and therein it is their means of remaining in touch with Veteran Affairs Issues and ‘their Association’, the NAA. The effect it has on combatting the detrimental impact of isolation cannot be underestimated. After 29 years as The Editor, Peter has facilitated a seamless hand-over in December 2025, to a very competent and eager replacement so that this link with our members can be maintained into the future. At a time when we hear so much spoken of veteran’s welfare and wellbeing, here we speak not just of some pages taking the form of a newsletter but rather, a most effective means of kinship by which the NAA seeks to identify ourselves and is testament to our efforts to foster and sustain camaraderie with our members on a national basis. The positive effects achieved through Peter’s diligence and resourcefulness in producing this newsletter arguably makes this one of his most profound and poignant achievements. VALE our dearest friend and champion,
Yours aye, May 2026
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The Funeral Service for Mr Peter Cook-Russell will be conducted at the Norwood Park Crematorium 65 Sandford St, Mitchell Canberra, on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at Midday. Those who wish to participate are asked to wear medals.
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Mark Hammond AO RAN on Appointment as CDF Naval Association of Australia Congratulates Vice Admiral |
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CANBERRA, ACT – The Naval Association of Australia (NAA) warmly congratulates Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN on his appointment as the next Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on 14 April 2026. Vice Admiral Hammond will assume the role in July 2026, succeeding Admiral David Johnston AC RAN. This appointment is a moment of immense pride for the naval community across Australia. Vice Admiral Hammond's extraordinary career – spanning nearly 40 years of distinguished service in the Royal Australian Navy – exemplifies the very best qualities of leadership, dedication, and service to our nation.
Vice Admiral Hammond joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1986 as a junior sailor electronics technician, later rising through the ranks to become Chief of Navy in July 2022. In that role, he has provided exceptional stewardship of one of the Navy's most consequential periods, overseeing Australia's participation in the landmark AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine partnership and the delivery of the future surface combatant fleet. His journey from scrubbing decks as an enlisted sailor to leading all of Australia's armed forces is a testament to the values the Naval Association holds dear: integrity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to service. It is a story that will inspire generations of sailors and junior officers for years to come.
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“The Naval Association of Australia could not be more proud to see Vice Admiral Hammond elevated to the nation’s highest military office. His career is a shining example of what is possible through dedication and merit. We have the utmost confidence that he will lead our Defence Force with distinction through the complex strategic challenges ahead, and we wish him every success as he takes on this immense responsibility.” David Manolas – National President, Naval Association of Australia
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The NAA also extends its sincere gratitude and best wishes to Admiral David Johnston AC RAN on his retirement. Admiral Johnston's more than 48 years of service have left an indelible mark on the Australian Defence Force, and his contributions to the design of Australia's future force and the implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy are a lasting legacy. The Naval Association of Australia looks forward to working with Vice Admiral Hammond in his new role as Chief of the Defence Force, and to continuing its mission of serving and supporting Australia's naval veterans and their families. |
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All documents on the NAA Forms page have now been updated and uploaded for use |
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This includes the new.. Capitation Forms Membership Forms White Ensign Magazine (Change of Address) Form & Nomination Forms. |
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Petition Reason This e-petition aims to attain recognition for service by Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force members, Police, St John Ambulance Association, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and civilians in disaster relief operation following the destruction of Darwin caused by Cyclone Tracy. Approximately 8,000 personnel operated from 25 December 1974 to 30 June 1975, evacuating people, stabilising buildings, bringing in vital supplies, and dealing with casualties. This e-petition argues the National Emergency Medal should be bestowed on all uniformed people involved. The Medal, struck in 2011, was immediately made retrospective for operations in bushfires back to 2009. However, despite several approaches to previous governments to recognise personnel in Cyclone Tracy recovery operations, their reasoning was “the burden of providing historical information for personnel, including researching and sourcing it makes retrospectivity unfeasible.” The petition emphasizes that medals are not merely decorations, but symbols of Australia’s gratitude, respect, and acknowledgment of service and sacrifice. Petition Request We therefore ask the House to request the National Emergency Medal Committee to reconsider whether Cyclone Tracy should be declared a nationally significant emergency for the purpose of the National Emergency Medal, noting that feasibility cannot be known until award recognition is tried. The services involved have personnel in place who can access their records. Your petitioners are capable of assessing other personnel who might apply. If this course of action is not possible, the petitioners request that the Government initiates a process for creation of a totally new medal in Australia – The Cyclone Tracy Medal. |
click here to add your name to this very worthwhile petition
Click the link below for a list
of must see videos
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If you would like further info please email webmaster@navalassoc.org.au
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Postal Address: |
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