Ian MacDougall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian MacDougall
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| Born | 23 February 1938 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 1 July 2020 (aged 82) Burnie, Tasmania, Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ |
Royal Australian Navy |
| Years of service | 1954–1994 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Chief of Naval Staff (1991–94) Maritime Commander Australia (1989–90) HMAS Platypus (1985–86) HMAS Supply (1980–82) HMAS Hobart (1979) HMAS Onslow (1971–73) HMS Otter (1969–71) |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of Australia Australian Fire Service Medal Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown of Thailand |
| Other work | Commissioner of New South Wales Fire Brigades (1994–2003) |
Vice Admiral Ian Donald George MacDougall, AC, AFSM (born February 23, 1938 – died July 1, 2020) was a very important leader in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). He was the head of the Navy, called the Chief of Naval Staff, from 1991 to 1994. After his time in the Navy, he also led the New South Wales Fire Brigades as their Commissioner for nine years.
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Ian MacDougall was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on February 23, 1938. When he was 15 years old, in 1954, he joined the Royal Australian Naval College. This college is located at Jervis Bay and is where young people train to become officers in the Navy. He started his naval career as a cadet midshipman.
During his time in the Navy, MacDougall commanded several ships and submarines. He was in charge of the submarines HMS Otter and HMAS Onslow. He also commanded the guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart and the fleet tanker HMAS Supply.
In 1982, he became the Director of Submarine Policy, helping to guide how submarines were used. He then commanded the submarine base HMAS Platypus in 1985. In 1986, he took on a role helping to plan operations for the entire Australian Defence Force.
MacDougall continued to rise through the ranks. In January 1989, he became the Maritime Commander Australia, which meant he was in charge of many naval operations. He was then made Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in July 1990. His highest position was becoming the Chief of Naval Staff in March 1991, leading the entire Royal Australian Navy. He received a high honour, being made a Companion of the Order of Australia, in 1993. He retired from the Navy in March 1994.
After leaving the Navy, Ian MacDougall took on a new important role. He was appointed Commissioner of New South Wales Fire Brigades in 1994. He led this fire service for nine years, until 2003. For his work, he was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal in 2000.
In 2003, he moved to Tasmania. He continued to contribute to public service. From 2003 to 2007, he was the Independent Chairman of a research group focused on bushfires. He also served as Chairman of the Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust from 2005 to 2007, helping children of veterans.
Personal Life
Ian MacDougall was married to television journalist Sonia Humphrey from 1996 until her death in 2011. After his retirement from the fire brigades, he and his wife moved to Green Point, near the town of Marrawah in north-west Tasmania.
Ian MacDougall passed away on July 1, 2020.
