The Tasmanian Government wishes to acknowledge the outstanding service to this nation by Australia’s most senior submariner and former Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ian MacDougall, who passed away in Tasmania this week, aged 82.
Vice Admiral MacDougall joined the Royal Australian Navy a month before his 16th birthday in 1954, and became an exceptional submariner who freely shared his skills with the next generation of submariners under his command.
Vice Admiral MacDougall moved to Greens Point, Marrawah, about 15 years ago after his retirement and he was an extremely valued and popular member of the North-West Coast community.
Among many reforms initiated during his leadership, Vice Admiral MacDougall, who was also Chief of Navy from 1991-1994, strongly advocated for women serving at sea, including in submarines, and put in place many reforms required to make this workforce change a success.
We acknowledge Vice Admiral MacDougall’s 40 years’ service to his country and we extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends.