Professionalism powered by history

“Naval history is no longer peripheral. In a world increasingly shaped by maritime concerns; trade routes, resource competition, strategic rivalry, and environmental change, the sea has re-emerged as a central arena of human activity.”

This is the message that Professor Craig Stockings of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) will deliver in his keynote speech at the upcoming Chief of Navy’s History Conference.

“The serious study of naval history contributes to a broader understanding of Australia’s place in a rapidly changing world,” Professor Stockings said.

In keeping with the conference theme, ‘125 years of Australian Naval History’, Professor Stockings will trace its evolution from Federation to the present day, placing its development within the broader context of the evolving Indo-Pacific region.

“For in a maritime nation, the history of the sea is never merely history. It is a continuing dialogue between what has been, what is and what may yet be,” Professor Stockings said.

Professor Stockings is currently Professor of History at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, UNSW Canberra (ADFA).

In 2016, Professor Stockings was appointed the Official Historian of Australian Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Australian Peacekeeping Operations in East Timor by the prime minister, giving him an opportunity to witness and study the conduct of the RAN on operations in detail.

Previously, he was an officer in the Australian Army. He has always had a deep respect for the naval profession and its role in Australian society.

“The RAN is not simply a military institution, it is a key component of Australia’s engagement with the world,” Professor Stockings said.

He sees a critical study of Australia’s naval history as essential to developing naval professionalism in the RAN and providing the context that, when balanced with technical proficiency, leads to more purposeful leadership and action.

“Australia, as a nation whose geography, economy and security are deeply connected to the ocean, cannot be understood without reference to its maritime history,” he said.

The conference will run from November 19 to 20 at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

The event will be opened by CN VADM Matthew Buckley, who will highlight the importance of history to the four pillars of his command intent: purpose, people, platforms and partners.

During the two days, speakers and events will look across the history and scope of the RAN to better inform the decisions and strategy of the future in areas including shipbuilding and acquisition, maritime trade protection and the social dimensions.

The event is supported by the Sea Power Centre – Australia, the Australian Naval Institute and UNSW Canberra.

The conference is open to Defence personnel looking to further their professional development and strategic understanding and to academics, researchers and anyone interested in maritime history and strategy.

Visit the 125 Years of Australian Naval History conference webpage for the program, speaker details and registration information.