Born and educated in Melbourne, RADM Darren Grogan joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1988. After graduating from the Royal Australian Naval College, Jervis Bay, he completed his basic Seaman Officer training and in 1989, he was awarded his Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate in HMAS Perth.

RADM Grogan completed the Intermediate Navigation Course in 1990 and served as Navigating Officer in HMA Ships Launceston, Derwent, Melbourne, Parramatta and Stuart as well as instructing Navigation at HMAS Watson. In 1994, he was selected for an exchange posting to instruct navigation at the United States Naval Academy, including command of a USN Yard Patrol Craft.

In 2004 in Stuart he deployed to the Middle East in support of the International Coalition Against Terrorism and was awarded a Maritime Commanders Commendation. In July 2005, RADM Grogan assumed Command of the Fremantle Class Patrol Boat HMAS Ipswich, which decommissioned in June 2007 as the last of class. In June 2007, RADM Grogan was selected and attended the Joint Advanced Command and Staff College in Kuwait.

RADM Grogan has held a number of key senior appointments including SO1 Operations Headquarters Northern Command; Chief Staff Officer Patrol Boats Group Headquarters; Military Assistant to the Chief of Joint Operations Command and Deputy Director Navy Personnel Career Management for Sailors. RADM Grogan was awarded an ADF Gold Commendation for his significant contribution to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Headquarters Joint Operations Command and the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for ‘meritorious achievement in Border Protection’.

In December 2013, RADM Grogan assumed Command of Australia’s then largest ship, HMAS Sirius. In 2016, he was promoted to Captain, and assumed duties as the Director of Maritime Operations. Following a posting as Captain Sea Training, RADM Grogan assumed Command of HMAS Success in October 2018, decommissioning the ship on 29 Jun 2019.

He was promoted to Commodore In 2019 and returned to HQ Joint Operations Command assuming duties as Director General Maritime Operations representing the Fleet Commander and leading the Maritime Component as CJOPS’ principal maritime advisor. He was responsible for the scheduling, planning and execution of Australian Defence Force (ADF) maritime operations and was responsible for the development of the Fleet Activity Schedule as the Standing Operational Control Authority for all Fleet Units conducting underway operations or domestically deployed force generation activities. RADM Grogan was the standing operational control authority for all deployed Navy Force elements not assigned to a separate control authority and had responsibilities as the Australian Submarine Operating Authority, which applies to all RAN submarines operating at sea.

RADM Grogan, CSM, has a Master of Arts (Security and Strategy) and a Master of Science (Military Studies) and was assigned as the Naval Attaché of Australia in Washington, DC from December 2021 to December 2023. He assumed his present position in January 2024. He currently resides in Hawaii and enjoys an active and healthy lifestyle. He is a keen AFL supporter and a die-hard Richmond Tigers tragic fan.

Last Updated: 22 February 2024