The Australian Missile Corporation (AMC) is proud to announce the appointment of one of the Royal Australian Navy’s most experienced commanders to its inaugural Advisory Board.

Lee Goddard, who recently transferred from full-time service as Rear Admiral, will join the newly formed AMC advisory board which was launched earlier this year in response to the Australian Government’s plan to accelerate a sovereign guided missiles enterprise.

During his 34-year naval career, Lee commanded the Anzac Class frigates, HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Perth, as well as serving at sea in Canadian, Malaysian and US Navy warships, and on operations in the Middle East, South China Sea and Border Protection.

His last role was Commander, Maritime Border Command, leading Operation Sovereign Borders.

From 2015 to 2017 he was commanding officer of the Navy’s Surface Force, comprising 18 warships, and leading more than 3000 personnel while overseeing a $950m budget sustaining the Navy surface fleet.

His leadership skills and tactical capabilities have been engaged across a range of Australian Government agencies, from heading the APEC Taskforce in 2018 to being a key military adviser to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on international strategic policy and security.

In 2007, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in recognition of his outstanding duty. The married father of three continues to serve in the RAN as an active reservist while working full time with the leading Australian impact philanthropic organisation, the Minderoo Foundation.

Robert Nioa, CEO of NIOA and the Australian Missile Corporation, said Lee would bring incredible skills to the board.

The AMC board’s mission will be to support the executive team, advising on industry trends, providing insights, and thought leadership, as well as identifying development and strategic growth opportunities.

‘’We are thrilled to welcome a leader and thinker of Lee’s calibre to the advisory board,’’ Mr Nioa said. ‘’During a distinguished Navy career Lee built a reputation for developing high-performing teams spanning operational delivery, transformation, and complex problem solving

‘’His insight into Australia’s strategic defence future will be invaluable to AMC’s senior leadership team as it supports the government’s plans to establish a guided weapons enterprise on Australian soil.’’

In taking up his position, Lee said: ‘’I’ve been fortunate to have many careers within a career over three-and-a-half decades in the Navy and I have learnt many skills and lessons along the way.

‘’I look forward to bringing these to AMC, while working with my fellow board colleagues and the management team at what is a critical period in Australia’s broader strategic defence outlook.’’

Launched earlier this year, the Australian Missile Corporation was founded by NIOA - the largest Australian-owned supplier of weapons and munitions to the Australian Defence Force.

It was set up to facilitate collaboration between industry partners, academia, state governments and Defence in response to the Australian Government’s call to establish a sovereign guided weapons enterprise.