image-1 = images/MelHupfeld/1.jpg
title-1 =
description-1 = Mel Hupfeld, as Director Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC), was in charge of all coalition air operations with in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) in 2008. (Image - Defence)
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image-2 = images/MelHupfeld/2.jpg
title-2 =
description-2 = Mel Hupfeld, then Air Commodore & Director-General Air Command Operations, taxies "Snifter", the P-51D Mustang aircraft on the civil apron at Townsville in 2009. (Image - Defence)
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image-3 = images/MelHupfeld/3.jpg
title-3 =
description-3 = Mel Hupfeld visits Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, USA, with the RAAF later announcing the arrival of the next-generation Super Hornets arriving later in 2010, the first new air combat aircraft in 25 years for Australia. (Image - Defence)
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image-4 = images/MelHupfeld/4.jpg
title-4 =
description-4 = Air Vice Marshal Mark Skidmore, Air Commander Australia and Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld, Officer Commanding Exercise Pitch Black in front of an No.3 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet in 2010. (Image - Defence)
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image-5 = images/MelHupfeld/5.jpg
title-5 =
description-5 = Air Commmodore Mel Hupfeld, Commander Air Combat and an F/A-18 Hornet Pilot, participated in an F-111 sortie during Exercise Pitch Black. (Image - Defence)
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image-6 = images/MelHupfeld/6.jpg
title-6 =
description-6 = Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld addresses the 2011 Australian Defence Force Academy candidates and their families and friends at the 2011 Appointment Ceremony. (Image - Defence)
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image-7 = images/MelHupfeld/7.jpg
title-7 =
description-7 = Commodore Mel Hupfeld, DSC inspects the troops during his handover/takeover parade for Commander Air Combat Group, Air, held at RAAF Base Williamtown in 2011. (Image - Defence)
status-7 = 1
image-8 = images/MelHupfeld/8.jpg
title-8 =
description-8 = Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Skidmore, AM hands over to Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld, DSC during the change of command ceremony held at RAAF Base Glenbrook. (Image - Defence)
status-8 = 1
image-9 = images/MelHupfeld/9.jpg
title-9 =
description-9 = Royal Australian Air Force Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld, DSC, talks to the No. 381 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron, No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron and No. 1 Air Operations Support Squadron members that would take part in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief component of Exercise Cope North Guam 2012. (Image - Defence)
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image-10 = images/MelHupfeld/10.jpg
title-10 =
description-10 = Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld, DSC receives an instructional display of the JSF F-35 simulator by Chief Test Pilot for the F-35 Lightning II program, Alan Norman in 2013. (Image - Defence)
status-10 = 1
image-11 = images/MelHupfeld/11.jpg
title-11 =
description-11 = Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld, DSC reviews the Airmen of No. 37 Squadron, during their 70th Anniversary Parade held at RAAF Base Richmond in 2013. (Image - Defence)
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image-12 = images/MelHupfeld/12.jpg
title-12 =
description-12 = Incoming Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld AO, DSC, Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne and outgoing Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston, AM, at Headquarters Joint Operations Command in 2018. (Image - Defence)
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image-13 = images/MelHupfeld/13.jpg
title-13 =
description-13 = Chief of Joint Operations, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, and Afghan National Army Officer Academy mentor, Lieutenant Colonel Alwyn Payne, at Camp Qargha, Afghanistan, during a visit to the Middle East region. (Image - Defence)
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image-14 = images/MelHupfeld/14.jpg
title-14 =
description-14 = Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne, announces the appointment of Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld to the position of Chief of Air Force at Russell Offices, Canberra. (Image - Defence)
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image-15 = images/MelHupfeld/15.jpg
title-15 =
description-15 = Major General Greg Bilton accepts the Commander’s Weight from Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld during the Transition of Authority of the Office of Chief of Joint Operations. (Image - Defence)
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image-16 = images/MelHupfeld/16.jpg
title-16 =
description-16 = Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC receiving his first general salute as Chief of Air Force. (Image - Defence)
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Photo Essay: A look at new Chief of Air Force’s career thus far
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The Royal Australian Air Force has welcomed new Chief, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld following a ceremonial parade and flypast in Canberra this week.
The Royal Australian Air Force has welcomed new Chief, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld following a ceremonial parade and flypast in Canberra this week.
AIRMSHL Hupfeld has served in the RAAF for nearly four decades, being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his performance as commanding officer of Number 75 Squadron on Operation FALCONER, and his squadron was awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation.
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AIRMSHL Hupfeld said it was both an incredible honour and a substantial responsibility to be taking over command of Air Force.
“Our people are the key to our capability, and it is humbling to have been chosen to lead them,” AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.
“I am grateful for the enduring legacy of AIRMSHL Davies’ leadership, with today’s RAAF on a strong and solid vector for the future.”
AIRMSHL Hupfeld has commanded Air Combat Group, posted as Air Commander Australia and Head Force Design. He received an appointment as Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force in senior command and staff appointments.
Prior to being appointed Chief of Air Force, AIRMSHL Hupfeld served as Chief Joint Operations.
For a look at some of AIRMSHL Hupfeld’s career in the RAAF up until this point, please scroll through the images above.
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