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Michael van Balen

b. 1961

Senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy

Military personnel
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About Michael van Balen

Born 1961. Michael van Balen is an Australian military personnel.

Rear Admiral Michael Julian van Balen (born 16 February 1961) is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), who served as the Deputy Chief of Navy from 2013 to January 2016.

Early life van Balen was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on 16 February 1961 to Adrian and Cath van Balen.

Naval career van Balen joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1978 and graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College in 1982.

Honours and awards

RADM van Balen has also been awarded the RAN's "Principal Warfare Officer" badge and the RAN's "Sea Readiness Badge".

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Important facts

Born
16 February 1961, Brisbane
Birth century
20th century
Occupation
Military personnel
Nationality
Australia
Education
University of New South Wales, Naval War College
Awards
Officer of the Legion of Merit; Legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Officer of the Order of Australia; Commendation for Distinguished Service; Legion of Merit

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Michael van Balen?

Senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy

When was Michael van Balen born?

Michael van Balen was born on 16 February 1961 in Brisbane.

What is Michael van Balen's occupation?

Michael van Balen is a military personnel.

What nationality is Michael van Balen?

Michael van Balen is Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Michael van Balen

· Wikidata: Q16951835

· DBpedia: Michael van Balen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Michael van Balen. https://biography.guide/michael-van-balen/

MLA: "Michael van Balen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/michael-van-balen/.

Chicago: "Michael van Balen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/michael-van-balen/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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