Send Off For Avm Quaife Air Commander Australia, FAST JETS FAREWELL AIR COMMANDER AUSTRAL

[Brendan Cowan]

Department of Defence Media Mail List
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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


Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or (0408) 498 664

[Luig]

Some info about AVM Mark Binskin (former RAN A4G pilot) here:

http://www.adf-serials.com/invboard/index.php?showtopic=696