Rear Admiral Robert Plath has served with the Royal Australian Navy for over 40 years.

During his career he fulfilled various command and leadership appointments, gaining extensive experience in executive management, operations, capability management, emergency management, and international engagement.

His involvement within Defence language capability space dates back to January 2007 when he commenced Indonesian language training at the ADF School of Languages, followed by a posting as the Naval Attaché – Jakarta in December 2007. Plath also played a role in the Australian Government response to the Padang earthquake and the Jakarta bombing in 2009.

In September 2014 he returned to Indonesia to study at the Indonesian Institute of National Resilience. After graduating, he assumed the responsibilities as Defence Attaché and Head of Defence Staff Jakarta in December 2015.

Upon promotion to Rear Admiral in September 2020, and the following year was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Robert transferred to the reserve in 2024.