Commodore remembers the fallen

“It all started here.”

With those few words, Commodore John Stavridis (’87) acknowledged the role Trinity has played in his life and his decorated career in the Royal Australian Navy.

As a special guest at the School’s 2025 Anzac Day commemoration, he took a trip down memory lane, pausing to inspect the 44 crosses on the quad, each one representing fellow Trinitarians and servicemen, just like himself, who had made the ultimate sacrifice in war for their nation.

“It was such a moving ceremony, and I really appreciate being here. I am full of pride and, of course, nostalgia is a given,” he said.

“Trinity maintains a strong respect for the sacrifices people have made for this wonderful nation.”

Commodore Stavridis said the School had played a key role in his faith and his 37-year naval career, though he did not fully appreciate this during his days as a student.

“At the time I did not get how much the School invested in me personally, in my spiritual and physical growth, how it prepared me for a life after school.

“When I began to face challenges in the outside world I started to think, ‘Actually, I’m doing a lot better than my peers’.

“I was never spiritual at school, but the foundations were laid here. I found God a few years later but the building blocks were already in place. It all started here.”

He has spent many years deployed at sea, captaining three ships along the way – HMAS Arunta, HMAS Anzac, and HMAS Hobart as well as the shore training establishment, HMAS Watson. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for his command of HMAS Hobart.

He is currently responsible for the delivery of all training and education in the Navy, from new recruits all the way through to specialist courses.

His father is from the Greek island of Lemnos, which supported the 1915 Anzac Gallipoli campaign. His father also served with United Nations forces in the Korean War.

He first attended Anzac Day parades as a young boy with his father.

“I have wonderful memories of the diggers, their positivity, resilience, humour, humility, and mateship,” he recalled.

“It was clear to me they had a love for Australia, and that desire to serve made a lasting impression on me.”

This article originally appeared in our July 2025 Edition of Trinity News which you can
view on our online digital bookshelf.