Official Twitter account for Australia’s Chief of Air Force (CAF) Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM. Following is not an endorsement.
@AusAirForce
Here in Australia we’re proud to call the Indian Air Force our friends.🇦🇺🇮🇳
@IAF_MCC
have been here in RAAF Base Darwin for Ex
#PitchBlack22
, training alongside
@AusAirForce
and 15 other nations, and it was an honour to spend some time with their team here.
Today
@AusAirForce
commemorates its 100th birthday.
From or modest beginnings in 1921, we have grown into a potent, world class Air Force which Australia relies upon in both conflict and peace.
When Australia needs us, we are ready to respond.
#ThenNowAlways
#AirForce100
Today at Ex
#PitchBlack22
I had the honour of flying alongside Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz, Chief of the German Air Force, & Gen Kenneth Wilsbach, Commander of US Pacific Air Forces.
Flying together as partners, training together as friends. 🇦🇺🇩🇪🇺🇸
#AusAirForce
@PACAF
@Team_Luftwaffe
With thanks to our friends in
@NZDefenceForce
the first of three
@NZAirForce
NH-90 helicopters and crew has arrived at
#RAAF
#Richmond
– ready to bolster
#YourADF
support to relief and recovery efforts on the NSW South Coast in this bushfire emergency. The
#ANZAC
spirit endures.
Delighted to meet
#AdmiralKarambirSingh
– Chief of
@indiannavy
and helicopter pilot – on his first counterpart visit.
@AusAirForce
and
@Tri_Service
have a strong tradition of combined exercises and training. From one new chief to another – and one airman to another, welcome!
I am deeply honoured to lead the
@AusAirForce
and it’s people, and to continue the legacy left by those who came before us.
#AnzacDay
is different this year, but it does not change what it means to us.
#LestWeForget
#StandAtDawn
On behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force, I send my heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the entire Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
He lived a remarkable life of service and was an inspiration to us all.
I am excited to announce today that
@AusAirForce
will be training
@Team_Luftwaffe
pilots from next year! This announcement follows the recent signing of a Letter of Intent by myself and Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz.
🧵 1/2
45 years after helping
@AusAirForce
maintain supply lines to cyclone-devastated Darwin,
#YourADF
again thanks the Indonesian Armed Forces for joining us to support bushfire response and recovery through
#OpBushfireAssist
.
🇮🇩🇦🇺 continue to stand together in the face of disaster.
Saddened by the tragic loss of the crew of
#CoulsonAviation
C-130 Bomber134. On behalf of
@AusAirForce
thank you for your selfless service to our nation. Our heartfelt condolences to family and friends back home, the Coulson team, and the firefighting family here in Australia.
Yesterday we farewelled a truly remarkable aircraft, the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet.
The beating heart of this 'war chariot' were the people who maintained, sustained and operated her.
Thank you to all who played a part in the record of achievements of the Classic Hornet.
A while ago,
@AusAirForce
set a goal to achieve 25% female representation in our Air Force by 2023. Last month Air Force surpassed this – two years ahead of schedule!
I am encouraged by growth across in our diversity and the strength this brings to
#AusAirForce
.
#IWD2021
Despite extremely challenging flying conditions
#AusAirForce
continues to assist with evacuations from fire-impacted communities. Drawing on all of their skills and training, our C-27J crews are showing that where there’s a will, the men and women of
@AusAirForce
will find a way.
Our people are highly trained & professional, but not always able to complete the mission on first try.
This video shows how heavy smoke from bushfires has prevented some C27J & C130J flights from reaching
#Mallacoota
&
#Merimbula
#AusAirForce
#AustralianFires
#YourADF
Congratulations to my friend LtGen Ingo Gerhartz &
@Team_Luftwaffe
on the official selection of the F-35A Lightning II to replace their Tornados.
I look forward to a possible
#Luftwaffe
-
@AusAirForce
-
@PACAF
5th-gen fighter formation flight at a future Exercise Pitch Black.
Lou and I were part of
#StandAtDawn
distanced from
@ChiefAusArmy
and
@VCDF_Australia
. Solemn and moving in the dawn, with the sounds of the Australian bush, and the squawks of my bagpipes! We remember those who came before us and thank those currently serving.
#LestWeForget
There is no more enduring friendship than that between
@AusAirForce
and
@usairforce
. Today in Canberra I hosted CSAF
#USAF
and
#COMPACAF
, renewing the bonds of mateship between our two services, and having productive discussions around
#airpower
and enhanced air cooperation.
Ceremonial colours hold a revered position of honour as the embodiment of Service traditions and history.
This morning the Governor General, on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, presented
#AusAirForce
with a new Queen’s Colour to mark 100 years of service to Australia.
Happy 100th birthday to our good friends
@RCAF_ARC
! 🎉
Our militaries have shared a strong partnership over many years and this will continue to grow.
Félicitations pour ton centenaire! 🇨🇦
Today, I had the honour of attending the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Anzac Day is a day of deep reflection. A day to commemorate those who have fallen in service to our country and to thank those who continue to serve.
Lest we forget.
This week marked the end of service for the
#AusAirForce
AP-3C Orion fleet after a remarkable 55 years.
Thousands of people have played a role in the Orion’s history across Air Force and Industry - aviation technicians, support personnel, engineers, planners and aircrew.
1/2
Today
#AusAirForce
9SQN officially reformed to prepare for the delivery of the MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft system.
9SQN will reform in 92 Wing of Surveillance and Response Group, with the headquarters located at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Read More:
2021 has been an incredible year for Air Force, & it has been my honour to lead our exceptional Aviators in our Centenary year. As we move into 2022 we now set our sights on the future.
But for now - stay safe & enjoy this holiday season, Merry Christmas.
From Mel, Lou & Ruby.
Lou and I wish everyone a great
#AustraliaDay
. Thank you to our people deployed on operations serving our interests globally and at home. Finally, congrats to all
@DeptDefence
recipients of the Australia Day Honours and Awards. You exemplify the best of us 🇦🇺🎉
I've recently signed an Air Cooperation Framework Agreement with the
@RoyalAirForce
.🇦🇺🇬🇧
This Agreement will help us to strengthen the bonds between our two great air forces and maximise our ability to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
▶️
GPCPT (Ret) Alex Arnel (pictured) turned 100 today. He served in the Mid East and European theatres of WW2. In 1944, he was shot down over Italy and sent to a PoW camp. It was my honour to speak with him today (via video call) to wish a happy birthday to this great Australian.
Very impressed by the skill and professionalism of our friends in
@JASDF_PAO
, and equally excited to have flown in a Kōkū-Jieitai F-15DJ with #航空自衛隊 and
#AusAirForce
out of Chitose Air Base, Hokkaidō. Ex
#BushidoGuardian
is showing how effective we are when working together.
I would like to congratulate Warrant Officer Ken Robertson on his appointment as the inaugural ADF Senior Enlisted Leader.👏
WOFF Robertson will work with the Service Warrant Officers to promote ADF Values, providing advice to
@CDF_Aust
on matters relating to enlisted personnel.
Today marks 75 years since the end of WWII after victory was declared in the Pacific. I attended a ceremony at the
@AWmemorial
this morning & was fortunate enough to spend time with Air Force veteran Lance Cooke. On behalf of
@AusAirForce
,
#TYFYS
to all of our veterans.
It's the
#AusAirForce
99th birthday today! Only one year to go until we reach the tonne! It's been a tough start to the year but I'm incredibly proud of the way our people have supported the community. Stay tuned for the lead up celebrations for our centenary in 2021!
The bonds forged through war endure during peace. It was an honour this week to join CSAF
@usairforce
at the
@AWMemorial
to acknowledge the sacrifice of all who have served our country in times of war, and to remember those who paid the ultimate price.
#LestWeForget
With our key partners and allies we voice our concern at the recent Russian direct-ascent anti-satellite missile test. This test threatens the safety and security of space based assets. Behaviour in space must be responsible, transparent and build confidence.
An
@AusAirForce
P-8A Poseidon is part of
#YourADF
’s contingent on
#ExMalabar
in the Indo-Pacific. 🇯🇵🇮🇳🇺🇸🇦🇺
These deployments play a vital role in protecting our national interests, preserving rules-based order, enhancing relationships, & developing capability & interoperability.
Our 1st
#AusAirForce
F-35A has completed 1000 flying hours at the Pilot Training Centre
@lukeafb
. Congrats to the team on this milestone! It demonstrates the capability's maturity & the importance of the international F-35 partnership.
🔍Find out more at
This morning I had the privilege of striking the first coin made in 2021 in the world, launching a new
@RoyalAustMint
series commemorating the Centenary of
@AusAirForce
.
Congratulations to Lorraine Edgar from Qld who will receive this special first coin.
Good times back at the Hornets’ nest today.
I’ve got great memories of flying the F/A-18A/B here at RAAF Base Williamtown. I’ll always have a soft spot for the Classic, but it’s onwards & upwards with the 5th-gen F-35A!
#AusAirForce
I'd like to take a moment on
#InternationalWomensDay
to acknowledge the incredible women we have serving in
#AirForce
. Pictured are the attendees of the Air Force Aviation Camp for Women we held last year. These camps introduce the next generation of leaders to military roles.
Today we are celebrating the 102nd Birthday of
@AusAirForce
! To all the aviators that have served in the RAAF and to those who still do, thank you. Your contribution to our Air Force truly matters. Happy Birthday! Per Ardua Ad Astra.
#AusAirForce
#YourADF
#ThenNowAlways
I am honoured to become the 28th Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. Thank you AIRMSHL Chipman for your exceptional leadership over the last two years.
It was also a privilege yesterday to visit
@AWMemorial
and pay my respects to our past aviators and
#YourADF
personnel.
This bushfire season
#AusAirForce
and
#YourADF
continue to support firefighting operations and fire-impacted communities - keeping firefighting aircraft airborne and getting firefighters, equipment and supplies where they are needed most.
#WorkingTogether
It is with much reverence that we joined today with the Koku-JieiTai to commemorate the 80th anniversary year of the Bombing of Darwin.
Today, General Izutsu and I paid our respects to the many military and civilian lives lost all those decades earlier.
Lest we forget.
.
@GenCQBrownJr
& I recently signed the
@AusAirForce
-
@usairforce
Joint Vision Statement. This further strengthens our more than 100 years of 🇦🇺🇺🇸military mateship, & reaffirms our shared commitment to collaboration & working better, together in support of our nations' interests.
I am honoured to accept transfer of command of
@AusAirForce
from Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC.
Air Force remains ready to meet Government and community expectations; by delivering trusted capability and investing in our people.
#AusAirForce
#YourADF
Thank you to ACM Sir Mike Wigston,
@ChiefofAirStaff
@RoyalAirForce
for hosting the
#GlobalAirSpaceChiefs
Conference & providing a forum for such valuable dialogue with more than 60 of my international peers about maintaining the leading edge over adversaries.
Today at RAAF Bases Richmond, Glenbrook & East Sale – a
#YourADF
hub for
#OpBushfireAssist
– I was proud to hear our
@AusAirForce
and
@AustralianArmy
members’ stories – and those of our international partners – and to see their contribution to assisting fire-impacted communities.
It is my Intent that to achieve our
#AusAirForce
mission we must be ready, resilient & resourceful – these are my priorities.
I am committed to realising air & space power effects for 🇦🇺's Joint Force as outlined in
#AFSTRAT
with urgency.
Find out more
Today's Centenary Commemorative Service at the Air Force Memorial offered an important opportunity to remember those who set the foundation for
@AusAirForce
, to recognise their achievement & innovation, & to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
The skies came of age as a theatre of war with the
#BattleofBritain
. Today in Hobart I was proud to commemorate the Australian airmen who flew in one of the greatest air battles ever fought, and to reflect on the sacrifice of all who paid the ultimate price.
#LestWeForget
In our first bilateral 🇦🇺🇯🇵 air combat exercise
@AusAirForce
and
@JASDF_PAO
are taking a leap forward in our military relationship – increasing interoperability between our air forces and enhancing preparedness for joint operations to support national and regional security.
It was a pleasure to catch up with Major General Stephane Groen, Air Operations Command Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, and his team at
#PitchBlack22
.
@Armee_de_lair
are visiting to train with their Dassault Rafales, it’s great to see them here again at RAAF Base Darwin.
Did you know that the Australian Air Force Cadets turned 80 last year?
Unfortunately their Ceremonial Parade had to be postponed due to COVID-19, but on the weekend they finally got it done – and it was an honour and a pleasure to be there!
It was fantastic to meet Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian woman to be trained as an astronaut by an international space agency. What an incredible achievement! I wish her all the best as she begins her training with the European Space Agency in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to our newest
#AusAirForce
officers! 🎓
Yesterday I attended the latest Officers’ Training School graduation at East Sale. Great job by course director FLTLT Dan Curtis and the rest of the staff. And welcome to the graduates - it’s great to have you all on board.
On behalf of members of the RAAF I offer my deepest condolences to The Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
Her Majesty dedicated her life to public service, & was the Air-Commodore-in-Chief of the RAAF Reserve.
Her legacy will endure for generations.
Congratulations to ACM Fadjar Prasetyo on his appointment as the 23rd Kasau for
@_TNIAU
. The
@AusAirForce
and I look forward to continuing to work with our Indonesian friends. 🇲🇨🇦🇺
Presiden RI Bapak
@jokowi
telah melantik Marsekal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo, S.E., M.P.P., sebagai Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara yang ke-23 di Istana Negara Jakarta, Rabu (20/5/2020).
Selamat Marsekal, semoga sukses dan amanah selalu. 👤
#TNIAU
#swabhuwanapaksa
#jauhdilangitdekatdihati
The relationship
@AusAirForce
has with the
@RoyalAirForce
is unique one, steeped in history. 🇬🇧🇦🇺
Their continuing involvement in Ex Pitch Black is just one small part of what we share, past and present.
Fantastic to catch up with RAF aviators here at
#PitchBlack22
.
Congratulations to
@GenCQBrownJr
who last week took over as Chief of Staff of the
@usairforce
. General Brown is a first class aviator, an inspirational leader, and a friend of the
@AusAirForce
. We very much look forward to working with CQ and his
@USAirForce
team.
The Defence Strategic Review describes the challenges we face, and tackles them head on.
Change will be required, but the change is both positive and necessary.
While at
#RIAT22
I met with LtGen Jung Sang-hwa, Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force. I look forward to enacting our signed agreement to strengthen 🇰🇷🇦🇺 defence space co-operation via annual Space Engagement Talks.
#ROKAF
#AusAirForce
Today I joined
#PNGDF
&
#YourADF
pers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea. The shared commemoration reflected the longstanding bonds between 🇦🇺 & 🇵🇬; forged in times of crisis & sustained in peace and prosperity.
Today I had the pleasure of joining the commemoration for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at St David’s Cathedral, Hobart, via video link.
We acknowledge the sacrifices of the
@RoyalAirForce
, including the Australian pilots who flew with them.
Lest we forget.
Australia is becoming self-sufficient in training our F-35A fighter pilots. SQNLDR Grady flew an F-35A for the first time, as part of the first pilot transition training conducted at RAAF Base Williamtown. We have all in
@AusAirForce
to thank for reaching this milestone.
#YourADF
Today I say a sincere thank you to Air Marshal Warren McDonald, Chief of Joint Capabilities. It has been an immense pleasure to serve with him over his career, and I thank him for his 42 years of service in
#AusAirForce
.
Thank you for everything Macca, enjoy your retirement!
Happy Birthday Air Force! Today on the 103rd anniversary of the formation of the
@AusAirForce
we thank all past and present serving aviators and their families, for over a century of service to our nation.
Per Ardua Ad Astra
#AusAirForce
#YourADF
Congratulations to
#AusAirForce
Honorary Group Captain, Katherine Bennell-Pegg who has graduated from the
@esa
astronaut program to become Australia’s first female astronaut as well as the first qualified astronaut under the Australian flag.👏👏
📸| ESA - P. Sebirot
History reflects
@RoyalAirForce
@ChiefofAirStaff
ACM Sir Mike Wigston's observation that our greatest successes result from deep-rooted partnerships, as does the ongoing commitment to these bonds evidenced at the
#GlobalAirSpaceChiefs
Conference.
Today I am attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the
@AWMemorial
.
For me, it is a time to reflect and remember those who have served before me.
Lest we forget.
Today I was pleased to virtually join with Koku-Jieitai counterpart, Chief of Staff, Gen Izutsu, in signing
an Arrangement on Air-to-Air Refuelling. This will serve to strengthen cooperation and interoperability
between
@AusAirForce
and
@JASDF_PAO_ENG
.
#JASDF
#KokuJieitai
It was a pleasure to speak with General Izutsu, Chief of Staff Koku-Jieitai (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) and congratulate him on his appointment. We discussed a range of topics related to the cooperation between our two air forces 🇯🇵🇦🇺🌏
The DSR acknowledges the importance of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat to our air domain.
As the first military combat aircraft in 50 years to be designed, engineered & manufactured in 🇦🇺
#AusAirForce
recognises how our
#STEMProfessionals
are enhancing Air Force capability.
#scienceweek
This week I'm pausing to recognise the invaluable contribution of Indigenous airmen and women in our
@AusAirForce
.
We're committed to reconciliation and each of us has a part to play.
As we reflect on our past, present and future, we recognise we're in this together
#NRW2020
Did you know that
#AusAirForce
Base
#Wagga
is now 80 years old? 🎂
Established 1 July 1940, Wagga now supports & delivers employment & training across four major training units.
Many of us have spent time here over the years, & it was great to be here to celebrate yesterday.
On behalf of all
#AusAirForce
Aviators, I congratulate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen’s 70-year reign has been one of exemplary dedication & service that is an inspiration to us all.
#PlatinumJubilee
#HM70
#AusAirForce
Our NT airspace provided a unique opportunity for today's flight with Lt Gen Gerhartz of
@Team_Luftwaffe
and
@PACAF
's Gen Wilsbach.
This event at
#PitchBlack22
today demonstrates our shared commitment to strong multinational relationships at the highest level.
#AusAirForce
I visited some of our friends from the Indonesian Air Force here at RAAF Base Darwin for Ex
#PitchBlack22
. 🇮🇩
It is great to see
@_TNIAU
here again. Pitch Black is always a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with our international mates.
Last night I had the pleasure of speaking with (socially distanced) bright up-and-coming ADFA trainee officers. Engaging with them showed me we have some incredible talent in the pipeline. Thanks to
@ComdtADFA
for welcoming me and Warrant Officer of the Air Force Fee Grasby.
For our Centenary, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities, in partnership with
@AusAirForce
, gathered shells, soil and sand from places of significance and
placed them at the For Our Country – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander memorial at
@AWMemorial
.
#ThenNowAlways
Great to meet with Lt Gen Ingo Gerhartz at
#RIAT22
recently. Next month his
@Team_Luftwaffe
will join us for Exercise
#PitchBlack22
. I look forward to welcoming them Down Under to participate in this significant
#AusAirForce
activity for the 1st time.
Recently
@NorthropGrumman
successfully completed the first flight of a
@AusAirForce
MQ-4C Triton, in the US.
The Triton will help provide persistent surveillance and real-time intelligence to ensure Australia’s security, and I’m excited to see our first one in the skies.
Incredibly proud of our aviators deployed on Ex Talisman Sabre. In my recent visit to Darwin, Tindal & Curtin, it was fantastic to see aviators integrating with
#yourADF
& our global allies & partners, in professional & innovative training. Ready. Resilient. Resourceful. Awesome!
It was my pleasure to speak at the
@USAembassyinOZ
today where we marked the first
#SpaceForce
officers to commission on Australian soil.
@AusAirForce
is very excited to be building on over half a century of space cooperation with the United States. 🇦🇺🛰️🇺🇲
15 of April marked a significant milestone for
#AusAirForce
and
@RoyalAirForce
as we came together to commemorate the reforming of not one, but two Number 80 Squadrons, at Eglin Air Base.
Although
#NRW2020
is over, we will continue to find ways to build the unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the community. To be strong, we must be unified because we are In This Together.
@AusAirForce
It’s an exciting time in the Top End right now with Ex
#PitchBlack22
underway.
It’s not often we get friends from 16 other nations over to train with us.
I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits this exercise brings to all the aviators involved.
It was an honour to represent the
@AusAirForce
this morning at the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony in Canberra welcoming some of our newest Aussie citizens to the nation!
It was an honour to commemorate Anzac Day in Papua New Guinea.
We met at Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby at dawn, the final resting place for so many service personnel from Australia and New Zealand who died fighting in PNG during the Second World War.
1/2
They’re home. Our
#AusAirForce
fifith-generation air combat capability continues to grow with the arrival of our next two
@AusAirForce
F-35A Lightning II fighter jets at
#RAAF
Base Williamtown – this brings the # of aircraft in
#Australia
to 6
Yesterday I joined with
#YourADF
leadership to sign the Condolence Book at Government House to the people of the United Kingdom, marking the passing of
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Today we continue to mourn her passing, together with millions around the world.
Tonight I had the pleasure of hosting the Service Attachés and Advisors Group, and welcome those have newly arrived into the role. I look forward to working with you all, especially during the upcoming Avalon International Airshow 2023.
#AIA23
It was fantastic to catch up with Major General Mark Goina, Chief of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, recently.
Last week I visited PNG, and we signed a MOU at the Air Transport Wing.
Looking forward to our continuing work together. 🇦🇺🇵🇬
Proud to represent
@AusAirForce
at the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony as we welcome some of our newest Aussies in the nation.
#AusAirForce