Former Ran Faa A4g Pilot Midn Mark Binskin, becomes Air Commander Australia today

[Luig]

CPA 213/07 Thursday, 26 July 2007
FAST JETS FAREWELL AIR COMMANDER AUSTRALIA
The Royal Australian Air Force said farewell to the outgoing Air
Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) John Quaife today with a
traditional fly-past over the Blue Mountains by three Air Force fast
jets.

AVM Quaife handed over the reigns to incoming AVM Mark Binskin during an official ceremony and parade at RAAF Base, Glenbrook.

As a tribute, an F/A-18 Hornet and a Hawk from RAAF Base Williamtown and an F-111 from RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane flew overhead twice during the morning ceremony. This event recognised AVM Quaife's career as a fast jet specialist officer.

One of AVM Quaife's career highlights was working as Director of the US
Central Command Air Forces Combined Air Operations Centre, where he was responsible for orchestrating the application of coalition air power in
Iraq and Afghanistan.

AVM Quaife enjoyed his time as Air Commander Australia: "It's been a
huge honour and a wonderful experience but it's time for a changing of
the guard and I wish Mark Binskin all the best in his new role," he
said.

The incoming Air Commander has a distinguished domestic and
international career, including flying Mirage and F/A-18 Hornet
aircraft.

AVM Binskin says he is ready to step up to the position.

"It's a great opportunity. I am honoured to have been selected for such
a role and I'm very much looking forward to this new challenge," he
said.

Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, congratulated AVM
Binskin on his new appointment while also thanking AVM Quaife for his
hard work and commitment to the job.

"I am pleased to welcome Mark Binskin as Air Commander Australia and
based on his administrative and operational experience I have no doubt
he will be another exceptional leader."

"AVM Quaife has offered a high standard of leadership and I wish him all
the best in his new position as Head of Capability Systems in Canberra,"
AIRMSHL Shepherd said.

Approximately 11,000 of the Air Force's 14,000 personnel are part of Air
Command. The Air Commander is responsible for more than 200 aircraft.

Images of the event will be available from
www.defence.gov.au/media/download

Attached Image

[Luig]

Air Commodore? Mark Binskin Exercise Pitch Black 2004

Attached Image

[darren.crick]

of course no mention of his RAN experience...

[Luig]

That is why it is here.... :-)