Captain Tim Leeder joined the Royal Navy in April 1999. On completion of initial training he joined HMS CHIDDINGFOLD as Navigating Officer, conducting MCM operations throughout Europe and Fishery protection duties. Subsequent appointments then took him to HMS GRAFTON for an Op Telic deployment at the culmination of the second Gulf war and then onto HMS EDINBURGH as Navigating Officer. Following EDINBURGH, successful completion of ICSC(M), was then followed by selection to Command HMS PUNCHER and London University Royal Naval Unit.
Completing PWO training in 2011, he joined HMS DIAMOND as PWO(U) completing his first PWO tour that included an inaugural East of Suez deployment for HMS DIAMOND. From DIAMOND, FOST followed as a SWOUW, completing his in Service Masters Degree in Defence Leadership (Psychology of Leadership) from Cranfield University whilst being the lead Phase 3 planner and trainer for all units under training. Leaving FOST he was appointed to Executive Officer HMS DAUNTLESS, conducting successful BMD trials before being through appointed to HMS DRAGON, as XO to Capt AAW. On completion of successful SASB1 appointments he spent a busy 18 months as Staff XO to COMDEVFLOT, visiting the Flotilla Units across the globe imparting wisdom and sharing his experience to aid Operational capability. Having been selected Commander in April 2019, whilst serving briefly as the Fleet XO he joined HMS PORTLAND, where he regenerated her through Covid, conducted FOST training during a particular tricky Workforce trial before deploying on Towed Array Operations. This included a multinational exercise off the Eastern Seaboard, considerable time with NATO as ASW PWC and numerous successful activations. FOST was a natural fit post Command, taking over as CST to FOST in January 2023 bringing his considerable experience into the training and assurance arena whilst leading by example with the execution of soft skills, inclusive leadership and coaching delivery. Offered a short opportunity to bring his Collective Training experience into the Individual Training sphere he was appointed as OC WTG in January 2025, prior to selection to Captain. Returning to FOST on selection, Tim was appointed Captain Ships, February 2026.
Tim lives at home in Hampshire with his wife Mads, their Spanish Water Dog and has two grown up sons. He is the ADoR for the RNRU Mariners over 35 rugby side and is on the RNRU Executive Council, so his spare time is consumed with watching rugby and cricket, long walks with the dog, whilst daily gym visits continue to feed the inner sportsman.