True Blue Conversations - Fred Campbell O.A.M - Royal Australian Navy Veteran

Today on True Blue Conversations, I sit down with an extraordinary Royal Australian Navy
veteran whose career spans more than 35 years of service, multiple operational
deployments, and a lifetime of leadership—Fred Campbell OAM.

Fred joined the Royal Australian Navy on 8 January 1982 through the Naval Apprentice
Scheme as an Air Technical Aircraft fitter. From the flight lines at HMAS Albatross to serving
aboard some of Australia's most iconic warships, Fred built an exceptional career supporting
the Fleet Air Arm and mentoring generations of sailors.

His operational service took him to some of the defining conflicts of the modern era,
including Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait, Afghanistan following the
September 11 attacks, the Solomon Islands, and Iraq in 2004 aboard HMAS Stuart. During
that deployment, Fred was involved in one of the most significant naval incidents of the Iraq
War—the USS Firebolt incident—a dramatic and little-known event that tested leadership,
courage, and decision-making under extreme pressure. In this conversation, Fred takes us
behind the headlines to share what really happened, what he witnessed, and the lessons
that have stayed with him ever since.

Throughout his distinguished career, Fred served as Command Warrant Officer at HMAS
Cerberus, HMAS Creswell, HMAS Melbourne, and HMAS Parramatta, becoming one of the
Navy's most respected senior leaders. 
His outstanding service was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in
the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours, along with numerous Australian and international
operational medals and commendations.

But service didn't end when Fred hung up the uniform in 2017.

Today, he continues to fight for those who have served as the President of the Keith Payne
VC AM Veterans Benefit Group, working alongside Australia's only living Victoria Cross
recipient from the Vietnam War to support veterans and their families. His commitment to the
veteran community, advocacy, and ensuring no veteran is left behind has become his new
mission.

Beyond service, Fred is a proud husband to a fellow Navy veteran, a father, grandfather,
rugby tragic, Harley rider, knife maker, guitarist, barbecue enthusiast, and someone who
believes in giving back to the mateship that shaped his life.
This is a conversation about leadership, combat, resilience, transition, and continuing to
serve long after the uniform comes off.

Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Fred Campbell OAM
Editor: Kyle Watkins