Mark Hammond to become ADF chief amid Defence shake-up

“Mark has done an incredible job as the Chief of Navy, and we are really excited about the contribution that he will make as the Chief of the Defence Force.”

Matt Buckley will replace Hammond as Chief of Navy, with Susan Coyle becoming the first woman to serve as Chief of Army by replacing Simon Stuart.

Albanese did not reveal when a replacement for Defence Department secretary Greg Moriarty, who will become Australia’s ambassador to the US, will be unveiled.

“It will be done in the same orderly way that characterises my government,” he said.

Hammond takes the reins at a turbulent time globally, amid a devastating war in the Middle East and as Australia deepens its reliance on the US via the AUKUS agreement.

“The responsibilities of the position are not lost on me, this is probably the testimony moment in my career,” Hammond said.

Last week, Johnson said Australia could “absolutely” deploy a warship to the Strait of Hormuz — days before US President Donald Trump announced an intention to blockade the passage.

Albanese has confirmed Washington has not asked Australia to contribute to the blockade.

The prime minister told reporters that failed negotiations between the US and Iran this weekend were “disappointing”, but would not be drawn on what a blockade would mean for Australia.

“We want to see de-escalation, and we want to see those negotiations resumed,” Albanese said.

Confirmation of Hammond’s appointment also came days after Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated living soldier, was charged with five war crime murders allegedly carried out in Afghanistan.

Johnston’s predecessor, Campbell, oversaw the ADF during the Brereton Inquiry — which found credible evidence of 39 murders carried out by Australian elite soldiers in Afghanistan.

What they said: “There is indeed no higher calling than to serve in the Defence Force, and all Australians owe a debt to those who protect the Australian way of life,” Albanese said on Monday.