Vice Admiral Ian MacDougall

Rising from a 15-year-old cadet midshipman to Commander Australian Fleet (1989-1990), Chief of Navy (1991-1994), Patron of the Submarines Association Australia, and Companion of the Order of Australia (1993 Queen's Birthday Honours List), Vice Admiral Ian MacDougall is one of Australia's most distinguished naval officers.

Born in Sydney in 1938, MacDougall joined the Royal Australian Naval College in 1954, graduated the following year, then during 1956-57 continued his professional training afloat and at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, UK, where he was awarded the Queen's Telescope for leadership.

Originally a Supply Officer, MacDougall was promoted to Lieutenant and in 1963 transferred to the submarine arm as a Seaman Officer. He had found his passion.

MacDougall's early service was in the UK in HMS Alaric and HMS Otus. In 1968, he was promoted Lieutenant Commander and appointed as Executive Officer of HMAS Oxley.

From 1969-71, while on exchange with the RN, MacDougall commanded HMS Otter, before returning to Australia and assuming command of HMAS Onslow from 1971-73.

MacDougall was promoted Commander in 1973 and the following year was appointed Officer in Charge of the Submarine Command Team Trainer, based at HMAS Watson, until 1976.

For 18 months during 1977-78 he served in Canberra as Deputy Director of Naval Officers' Postings.

1978-79 brought fresh challenges. MacDougall was appointed Executive Officer and briefly Commanding Officer of the guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart. It was during his period in command that Hobart undertook the tricky rescue of an injured scientist from Macquarie Island. This involved the construction of a makeshift helicopter platform on the ship's stern, while at sea.

MacDougall was promoted to Captain in 1979 and during 1980-82 commanded the fleet replenishment ship HMAS Supply; an assignment that included deployment to the Indian Ocean in response to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.

From 1982-84 he served in Canberra as Director of Submarine Policy, during which time he was involved with the initial policy development for the Collins Class Submarine Project.

During 1985 MacDougall commanded the Australian Submarine Squadron based in HMAS Platypus at Neutral Bay, Sydney.

Promoted Commodore in 1986, MacDougall was appointed Director General Joint Operations and Plans for the Australian Defence Force. In early 1988 he conducted a review of the roles and functions of the Naval Support Command as part of the RAN's devolution program.

After being promoted to Rear Admiral in 1989 and appointed Maritime Commander Australia, MacDougall was present at Gallipoli during the 75th Anniversary of the Anzac landings in 1915; a personal highlight.

Another key event was Exercise KANGAROO 89, Australia’s largest ever peace time operation exercise.

He was appointed Chief of Naval Staff in 1991.

Vice Admiral MacDougall retired from the Royal Australian Navy in March 1994.

Vice Admiral Ian Donald George MacDougall, AC ACFM, RAN (Retd) died at home in Tasmania on 1 July 2020.