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Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Defence Minister Christopher Pyne have announced the appointment of a new Chief of Air Force and new Chief of Joint Operations at a ceremony in Canberra.
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Defence Connect can today confirm that Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, will be Australia’s next Chief of Air Force. The appointment was made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the government for a period of four years from 4 July 2019.
AIRMSHL Hupfeld is currently serving as the Chief Joint Operations and has extensive leadership and operational experience through senior positions, including Air Commander Australia and Head Force Design.
The government said AIRMSHL Hupfeld’s experience in these roles makes him ideally suited to continue the development of the Air Force as a modern and effective force capable of undertaking regional and global operations.
The government also extended its sincere gratitude to outgoing Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, noting his relentlessness in embedding a culture of innovation and integration that will continue to shape the Air Force for generations to come.
The Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC, has advised the government that Major General Greg Bilton, AM, CSC, will be promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the Chief of Joint Operations from 28 June 2019.
MAJGEN Bilton is currently serving as the Commander Forces Command within Army and is a highly experienced officer with extensive leadership and operations experience through senior positions including Deputy Chief Joint Operations and Commander 7th Brigade. He has also served as Deputy Commanding General United States Army Pacific.
The government congratulated AIRMSHL Hupfeld and MAJGEN Bilton on their selection and wished AIRMSHL Davies well in all his future endeavours.
More to come.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
