Air Commander Australia change of hands

Air Force has welcomed Air Vice-Marshal Darren Goldie as the new Air Commander Australia, who was formally appointed during the Change of Command Ceremony on April 7.

CAPTION: Air Force has welcomed Air Vice-Marshal Darren Goldie as the new Air Commander Australia, who was formally appointed during the Change of Command Ceremony on April 7. Story by Flying Officer Bronwyn Marchant. Photo by Corporal Kylie Gibson.

The ceremony was held at RAAF Base Glenbrook, NSW, where outgoing Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi, handed over his command of RAAF’s operational headquarters.

Air Vice-Marshal Iervasi said it had been a privilege and honour to serve as Air Commander Australia for nearly three years.

“Air Command units have overcome an extremely diverse and unique set of challenges the last few years, some of which we have never had to face before,” Air Vice-Marshal Iervasi said.

“From bushfires, floods, pandemics to non-combatant evacuation operations in Afghanistan, we have had to navigate the unknown and I couldn’t be more proud of the women and men of our Air Force today.

“It’s important that our aviators reflect on the resilience they’ve demonstrated, particularly through the last two years and have confidence in the dynamic skill-sets they’ve acquired, when faced with new challenges in the future.”

Air Commander Australia is responsible for the provision of operational support to the Chief of Air Force and the joint force, by preparing the workforce to generate, project and sustain air and space power effects to protect and advance Australia’s national interests.

Coming from the Prime Minister and Cabinet office where he provided strategic foreign policy advice to government, Air Vice-Marshal Goldie looks to inspire Air Force aviators and the Australian Public through his new appointment.

“Much has been demanded of the men and women of Air Command recently, as it will be in the future,” Air Vice-Marshal Goldie said.

“After 20 years in the Middle East and two years of COVID, we have to challenge ourselves and ask if we are ready for what may come next.

“Our nation needs us to be prepared, which necessitates focused training, and ongoing prioritisation of our resources.

Air Vice-Marshal Goldie is embarking on an extensive visit program to hear from Air Command’s Air Force, Australian Public Service and contracted workforce.

“My focus now is to meet the people of Air Command face-to-face – I need to know what we can do better and how I can help to achieve that.”

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