Ceremony marks handover of Army command

Army farewelled Lieutenant General Rick Burr as Chief of Army and welcomed Lieutenant General Simon Stuart as his successor during a transition of authority ceremony in Canberra on July 1.

CAPTION: The Army Banner is handed from outgoing Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr, right, to incoming Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart during the Chief of Army handover parade. Photo by Kym Smith.

Lieutenant General Burr said it was his honour to have served his nation for the past 40 years.

“My lasting memory will be of the incredible soldiers and officers of our Army,” Lieutenant General Burr said.

“Our people are our strength, delivering incredible outcomes for our nation every day.

“I thank them for their service, courage, commitment, and sacrifice.

“I also want to recognise the people who have enabled and supported the Army during my career, in particular our Navy, Air Force and Public Service colleagues, the Australian public, and our allies and partners. We are stronger together.”

Incoming Chief of Army Lieutenant General Stuart said the Army was regenerating its readiness while undergoing a significant program of modernisation.

“I am most fortunate to assume command from Lieutenant General Rick Burr, who has led an enormous transformation within our Army,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.

“General Burr’s commitment to developing our people and our individual and collective cultural and ethical fitness through Good Soldiering is a hallmark of his stewardship of our Army.

“As the 41st officer privileged to lead our Army – a fighting and operational force, a national institution and profession – I am committed to, every day, building on General Burr’s rich legacy.”

Lieutenant General Burr formally handed over the Australian Army Banner to Lieutenant General Stuart during the parade.

Warrant Officer Grant McFarlane, completing his tenure as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army, thanked his soldiers for their support and service during his tenure.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve with you, and I wish you all the best for your future endeavours,” Warrant Officer McFarlane said.

He formally passed the pace stick to incoming Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Warrant Officer Kim Felmingham during the parade.

Lieutenant General Stuart will assume command of Army on July 3.

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