Commanding Officer HMS Triumph

Commander R P Dunn Royal Navy

Commander Rob Dunn was educated at the Royal Hospital School and Lawrence Sheriff School Rugby.  Initially he joined the Police Force before eventually following the family tradition by joining the Royal Navy in 1984.

A submariner, like his grandfather, he has served in an assortment of surface ships and submarines including diesel electric, nuclear powered fast attack and strategic ballistic missile submarines conducting several exciting operational and deterrent patrols.  As a Lieutenant he commanded HMS Smiter and Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Royal Naval Unit.  On completion of the Submarine Command Course in 1999, he became the Second-in-Command of HMS Turbulent during which time the submarine completed a strenuous operational programme gaining CINCFLEET's Commendation for operations; and for the last 5 months onboard he assumed command.  There followed an appointment as the Military Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium.  In 2003 he attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course, gaining an MA in Defence Studies.  On promotion to Commander in 2004 he took up an appointment in the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters where he was the lead planner for EU and NATO operations including the Balkans as well as being the maritime specialist for UK operations in the Gulf region.  He returned to his specialization in 2007 when he commanded the Royal Navy Submarine School.  After a brief secondment to Navy Command Headquarters for a far-reaching manpower study, he then completed another demanding submarine operational deployment as the command advisor.  Commander Dunn assumed command of HMS Triumph in August 2009 to bring her back into service after an extensive period of refit.

Rob is married to Trish, also a Naval Officer, and has a daughter Alethea.  He is a keen, if average, squash player and snowboarder and is also a windsurfing instructor.  He and his wife spend whatever time is left maintaining if not sailing their classic yacht.