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The Australian Defence Force has celebrated the careers of outgoing chiefs and welcomed the incoming heads of Navy and Joint Capabilities in a change of command ceremony in Canberra earlier this week.
On Tuesday, 7 July, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle gave her outgoing address as chief of Joint Capabilities, where she has led the space, cyber and national support domains for the past two years.
Reflecting on her position, she said that despite the challenging and uncertain moments, it has been a “privilege” to serve the role and has resulted in “achievement, growth, laughter, and genuine success”.
“Over this past two-year chapter in our nine-year history, I have witnessed continued incredible growth across Joint Capabilities Group,” she said.
“Growth in our capability. Our training. Growth in our partnerships and engagements. And most importantly, growth in our people and belonging.
“I am immensely proud of the 10,000 men and women of the Joint Capabilities Group – our ADF, APS and contractors. All teammates together.”
LTGEN Coyle will assume her new position of chief of Army on Wednesday, 8 July. She is the first woman in the ADF to hold this position.
Air Marshal Glen Braz will take over as the new chief of Joint Capabilities, recognising the “volatile and increasingly complex” landscape the defence domain is currently facing.
“But our mandate is clear: we must keep Australians safe and secure, preserving sovereignty and ensuring potential adversaries perceive that the cost of conflict far outweighs the gain.
“I assume this command with a keen sense of the responsibility and accountability that attends such a charge.”
The Navy also underwent a change of command service, with Vice Admiral Mark Hammond passing on the chief of Navy position to Vice Admiral Matthew Buckley.
VADM Buckley similarly expressed that while the Navy is in a complex position, growing achievements such as the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines and the Hunter Class frigates represent the positive strategic position the Navy is in.
“We will invest in our people; we will maintain and evolve our platforms; we will strengthen our partnerships; and we will remain focused on our purpose,” he said.
VADM Hammond will be promoted to chief of the Defence Force on Thursday, 9 July, the highest role in the ADF.
“The past eight years have been a privilege of a lifetime, stewarding the Navy during a complex and challenging period,” he said.
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