New Air Warfare Centre Commander takes the reins

A ceremony at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct marked the transfer of command for the Air Warfare Centre.

CAPTION: Incoming Commander Air Warfare Centre Air Commodore Adrian Maso, signs the transfer of command certificate witnessed by the outgoing Commander Air Commodore Ross Bender. Story by Flight Lieutenant Rob Hodgson. Photo by Corporal David Cotton.

Command of the Force Element Group passed from Air Commodore Ross Bender to Air Commodore Adrian Maso.

The Air Warfare Centre (AWC) provides timely and relevant advice to war fighters in response to operational and tactical problems.

Its creation was an essential part of Plan Jericho, which seeks to establish Air Force as a fully integrated and joint fifth-generation combat force that is capable of fighting and winning in the information age.

Speaking at the ceremony, Air Commander Australia Air Vice Marshal Darren Goldie acknowledged the critical role AWC plays in supporting war fighter integration across Air Command.

Outgoing AWC Commander Air Commodore Ross Bender reflected on the outstanding achievements of AWC during his time in command and how proud he was of the AWC workforce in delivering on his intent.

Air Commodore Maso acknowledged the effort Air Commodore Bender devoted to the command.

“Air Commodore Bender made significant progress on the essential task of clearly defining the Air Warfare Centre’s role and plotting the course to meet this need,” Air Commodore Maso said.

“While the task has been ongoing since AWC’s formation, our evolving strategic circumstances have necessitated further clarity, and Air Commodore Bender has been an important contributor to both Air Force and Defence’s response to this new paradigm.”

The appointment includes the role of Senior ADF Officer for Edinburgh Defence Precinct and the senior Air Force representative in South Australia.

Nurturing and deepening relationships with local community groups and the broader South Australian public is a significant part of this.

During Air Commodore Bender’s time in the role, Air Force has been a leader in the community, particularly with respect to commemorations, Indigenous engagement, community support and veteran support in the Adelaide area.

Air Commodore Bender singled out the relationship built between the Edinburgh Defence Precinct and the Kaurna people as a highlight in community engagement during his tenure.

CAPTION: Outgoing Commander Air Warfare Centre Air Commodore Ross Bender, left, and incoming AWC Commander Air Commodore Adrian Maso, right, have a laugh during transfer of command at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Moving forward, Air Commodore Maso provided insight into the next stage in AWC’s – and the Edinburgh Defence Precinct’s – evolution.

“My approach is centred around our role in times of crisis and, if need be, conflict,” Air Commodore Maso said.

“We will continue to define our role with the Joint Force and our relationship with the federal and state governments, our community and industry to ensure we are both effective and resilient in times of national stress.

“With this, I require all members of our team to contribute ideas and effort to ensure we are successful in the endeavour.”

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