Our Journey

The title of the Director of Intelligence and Organisation position at Air Force Headquarters, held by Wing Commander Richard Williams, was redesignated as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and First Air Member of the Air Board. The RAAF’s next most senior officer, Wing Commander S.J. Goble, formerly known as Director of Personnel and Training, became Chief of the Administrative Staff and Second Air Member. The change gave the RAAF a head of service comparable in status to the Army and Navy, although Williams did not reach equivalent rank as an Air Vice-Marshal until 1935. When the CAS appointment was instituted, the RAAF had less than 350 personnel.
 

Air Marshal Sir Frederick Scherger became the first Australian airman appointed to Air Chief Marshal as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). He was also the first Chairman and the first graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, to reach four-star level. He had then held the COSC job for nearly four years, since relinquishing the RAAF’s top post of Chief of the Air Staff in May 1961. Originally appointed for two years, after less than a year in the job the Government extended his term to four years, then extended him again in September 1964 through to May 1966. Special amendments to Air Force Regulations were required to allow Scherger’s promotion, on his existing pay and allowances. His advancement in rank nonetheless helped to cement the authority and prestige of the Chairman’s role, and the practice was continued for his successors

Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams KBE, CB, DSO, “Father of the Air Force” died, at the age of 89. His 25 year career with the Air Force included a record 17 year tenure as Chief of the Air Staff. He was the first Air Force member to hold the rank of Air Marshal. In addition to his distinguished Air Force career, Sir Richard completed another nine years as Director-General of Civil Aviation before retiring a second time.

The position of ‘Warrant Officer of the Air Force’ was instituted with the appointment of Warrant Officer Richard (‘Dick’) Newton. The post was created to provide a key conduit between Air Force’s senior leadership and the airman ranks. The present incumbent of this critical role is Warrant Officer of the Air Force - Fiona Grasby.

When Air Commodore Julie Hammer was promoted to Air Vice-Marshal, she became the first woman to achieve two-star rank in the Australian Defence Force. In 1999 she had also been the first serving woman to achieve one-star rank as Air Commodore. Appointed Commanding Officer of the Electronic Warfare Squadron in 1992, AVM Hammer became the first woman to command an operational unit in the RAAF.

After serving four years as Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal A.G. (Angus) Houston AK, AC, AFC, was promoted to Air Chief Marshal and appointed Chief of the Defence Force. He was the first Air Force appointee in nearly 20 years. He was, at the time, only the third Air Force Officer ever granted four-star rank.

A parade held at RAAF Base Richmond marked the transfer of C-130H Hercules transport aircraft operated by No 36 Squadron to No 37 Squadron operating the later J model variants of the C-130. The squadron was divesting itself of the Hercules in preparation for moving to RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland the next month and re-equipping with the first of four Boeing C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft. The occasion also saw Wing Commander Linda Corbould take over as Commanding Officer of 36 Squadron, making her the first female commander of any RAAF flying unit. She had specialised in transport operations since gaining her wings in 1990, and was now given the important task of overseeing the introduction into service of a new heavy lift capability not previously possessed by the RAAF.

Former Air Force Warrant Officer Harold Allie accepted an invitation from Air Marshal Geoff Brown to become the first Air Force Indigenous Elder. The appointment was the first of its kind in the Australian Defence Force. The position of Indigenous Elder involves representing the Air Force at ceremonies such as NAIDOC Week and engaging with Indigenous community groups to promote the RAAF as a career. "Uncle Harry" is a descendant of the Gudjala Tribal Group people and grew up in the Charters Towers area.