LCDR Caroline Skinner, RAN (’09)

Lieutenant Commander Caroline Skinner (’09) has forged an impressive career in Marine Engineering in the Royal Australian Navy, beginning with Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanics and Materials) and a Bachelor of Arts (Spanish) at the Australian National University. Part way through her university studies, LCDR Skinner joined the navy as a Marine Engineering Officer, where she was honoured with the E.S. Cunningham Award for Outstanding Leadership and Officer-like Qualities, and the IMarEST Medallion for Most Outstanding Marine Engineering Officer.

Since then, LCDR Skinner has seen time aboard HMAS Adelaide (III), been posted ashore to manage the final in-service maintenance periods for HMA Ships Newcastle and Melbourne, been posted to Canberra, working on capability upgrade projects for Australia’s amphibious ships, and served as the Deputy Marine Engineering Officer on board HMAS Parramatta completing several deployments throughout the Indo-Pacific. LCDR Skinner is now the Platform Systems Manager for the RAN’s newest class of ship, the Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) Ship.

LCDR Skinner visited the school recently to share her leadership experiences with Year 11 students, highlighting her passion for the work she has engaged in, as well as the challenges she has faced. LCDR Skinner shared her top three-character strengths that all great leaders need: courage, teamwork and curiosity.