In this final episode of Saltwater Strategists for 2025, host Duncan MacRae sits down with Omni Executive’s Steven Thorpe and Nick Stoker to discuss Australian engagement and partnership in the Pacific region. Omni, an Australian-owned business and sponsor of the Australian Naval Institute, focuses on delivering innovative national security and critical infrastructure solutions to develop Australia's sovereign capability and support the national interest.
As Steven prepares to step into the role of CEO of Omni in February 2026, he and Business Development Manager, Nick, draw on the company’s experience delivering services across the Pacific, and their own unique perspectives from service in the Australian Defence Force, to provide examples and recommendations on matters such as cooperation between national security institutions, Commonwealth and Australian industry collaboration in capacity building, Government policy, and even sport to address a range of challenges facing Australia in positioning itself as a dependable and supportive partner throughout the Pacific, particularly with the island nations of the South-West Pacific.
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In this final episode of Saltwater Strategists for 2025, host Duncan MacRae sits down with Omni Executive’s Steven Thorpe and Nick Stoker to discuss Australian engagement and partnership in the Pacific region. Omni, an Australian-owned business and sponsor of the Australian Naval Institute, focuses on delivering innovative national security and critical infrastructure solutions to develop Australia's sovereign capability and support the national interest.
As Steven prepares to step into the role of CEO of Omni in February 2026, he and Business Development Manager, Nick, draw on the company’s experience delivering services across the Pacific, and their own unique perspectives from service in the Australian Defence Force, to provide examples and recommendations on matters such as cooperation between national security institutions, Commonwealth and Australian industry collaboration in capacity building, Government policy, and even sport to address a range of challenges facing Australia in positioning itself as a dependable and supportive partner throughout the Pacific, particularly with the island nations of the South-West Pacific.
4.6 A Maritime Awakening: The Future of the Royal Australian Navy with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond
Saltwater Strategists
59 minutes 3 seconds
3 months ago
4.6 A Maritime Awakening: The Future of the Royal Australian Navy with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond
In this episode of the Australian Naval Institute’s (ANI) Saltwater Strategists, special guest host and ANI Councillor Jen Parker is joined by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy and Patron of the ANI, to discuss the Navy’s transformation in the face of a rapidly changing maritime environment.
Vice Admiral Hammond reflects on the milestones of his tenure as Chief of Navy, including the announcement of the upgraded Mogami-class General Purpose Frigate, the integration of enhanced missile capabilities, and the release of the National Defence Strategy with its strong maritime focus.
The conversation explores how the Navy is reshaping its surface combatant and submarine fleet under AUKUS and the Surface Combatant Review, while also grappling with challenges of fleet readiness and lethality. Admiral Hammond highlights the implications of a changing maritime threat environment, underscoring the need for a capable, adaptive force.
Looking ahead, Vice Admiral Hammond outlines the Navy’s priorities for the coming decade: deepening interoperability with allies and partners such as the United States and Japan, strengthening combat power, and preparing the fleet for high-end warfare. He also reflects on the Navy’s heritage as it approaches its 125th anniversary in 2026 and shares his vision for what the Navy should look like by 2030.
This episode offers listeners a rare insight into how the Royal Australian Navy is navigating a pivotal moment in Australia’s defence strategy, delivering the people, partnerships, and platforms needed for the maritime century.
Saltwater Strategists
In this final episode of Saltwater Strategists for 2025, host Duncan MacRae sits down with Omni Executive’s Steven Thorpe and Nick Stoker to discuss Australian engagement and partnership in the Pacific region. Omni, an Australian-owned business and sponsor of the Australian Naval Institute, focuses on delivering innovative national security and critical infrastructure solutions to develop Australia's sovereign capability and support the national interest.
As Steven prepares to step into the role of CEO of Omni in February 2026, he and Business Development Manager, Nick, draw on the company’s experience delivering services across the Pacific, and their own unique perspectives from service in the Australian Defence Force, to provide examples and recommendations on matters such as cooperation between national security institutions, Commonwealth and Australian industry collaboration in capacity building, Government policy, and even sport to address a range of challenges facing Australia in positioning itself as a dependable and supportive partner throughout the Pacific, particularly with the island nations of the South-West Pacific.
