Minister for Defence
The Minister for Defence, The Hon Richard Marles MP(Opens in a new tab/window) is responsible for the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA).
Director-General ASA
Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO RAN
Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead has been appointed as the inaugural Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency. Prior to taking up this position Vice Admiral Mead led the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce, within the Department of Defence. The Taskforce worked with the United States and United Kingdom to identify the pathway for Australia to acquire conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines.
Vice Admiral Mead joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1984. On completion of initial training, he commenced Mine Clearance Diving and Explosive Ordnance training; and served as Executive Officer of Clearance Diving Team One. In 1993, he trained as a Principal Warfare Officer, which was followed by sea postings as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer of HMA Ships Melbourne and Arunta, and Executive Officer of HMAS Arunta.
In 2005, Vice Admiral Mead assumed the position as Commanding Officer of the frigate HMAS Parramatta. He saw active service in the North Arabian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst, with the ship’s efforts recognised with a Meritorious Unit Citation in 2007 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his exceptional service in warlike conditions. During 2007, Vice Admiral Mead undertook studies at the National Defence College of New Delhi and was appointed Australia’s Defence Adviser to the Republic of India.
In 2010, Vice Admiral Mead returned to Canberra to take up the position as Director Naval Personnel Policy. Following his promotion to Commodore in July 2011, he deployed to Bahrain as Commander of Combined Task Force 150 (Maritime Counter Terrorism) on Operation Slipper, and was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.
On promotion to Rear Admiral in January 2015, he spent the next three years as the Head of Navy Capability in Canberra. From January 2018 to November 2020, Vice Admiral Mead served as Commander of the Australian Fleet. In June 2020, Vice Admiral Mead was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia for his service to the Royal Australian Navy in senior management and command roles. Upon promotion to Vice Admiral in November 2020, he assumed the position as Chief of Joint Capabilities and Command of Joint Capabilities Group.
In September 2021, he was selected as the Chief of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Taskforce, and from 1 July 2023 he commenced as the inaugural Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency.
Vice Admiral Mead holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations, a Master’s Degree in Management, and a PhD in International Relations. He has published a book on Indian national security.
