Coonawarra welcomes new commanding officer

HMAS Coonawarra welcomed a new commanding officer after a ceremonial change of command on October 8.

CAPT Bernadette Alexander formally handed command of the Top End naval base to CAPT Amy Bulters during a clear lower deck attended by the ship’s company and base staff.

The ceremony featured the traditional handover of a telescope, symbolising the transfer of command and ‘weight’ of responsibility, before CAPT Alexander and CAPT Bulters addressed personnel.

“Coonawarra is defined by the outstanding calibre of its people, and it has been my privilege to support the team through the past year,” CAPT Alexander said.

“I leave the team with four words that epitomise the resilience up in the north and I asked daily of the team: 'stay curious' and 'be accountable'.”

Colours and a waterfront breakfast preceded the occasion to celebrate what the Coonawarra team has achieved since Cyclone Fina marked the start of CAPT Alexander's command tenure.

CAPT Bulters, a naval meteorologist by trade, assumes command of one of the Navy’s most strategic establishments, responsible for supporting maritime operations across northern Australia and in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Having spent the majority of her childhood in Gove, at the north-eastern corner of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and spending time in Darwin in the past, CAPT Bulters returned with a strong connection to the region.

“This appointment is particularly meaningful to me, because after such a long period away, to come back here and take command of Coonawarra feels, in many ways, like coming home,” she said.

Throughout her career, CAPT Bulters has served across operational and strategic appointments, including completing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Advanced Staff Course in country.

She has also represented Navy across various sporting fields, including rugby, AFL and triathlon.

In 2020, CAPT Bulters was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for meritorious achievement in Navy meteorological and oceanographic operational support.

She also becomes the second consecutive woman to command Coonawarra, highlighting the growing number of women serving in senior leadership positions across the RAN.

“It’s an honour to take command of HMAS Coonawarra,” CAPT Bulters said.

“This base and its people play a vital role in supporting Navy’s operations across northern Australia, and I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated teams who protect our waters.

“I want to thank CAPT Alexander for her leadership and commitment to Coonawarra. She has set high standards and I have big shoes to fill.

“I will listen, I will ask questions, I will expect high standards. And I will do my best to make sure that the people of Coonawarra have the leadership and support they need to succeed. Because it is our people who ultimately deliver the mission.”

See more images from the ceremonial change of command.