Appointment of Chief of Air Force and Chief Joint Operations

The Government is pleased to announce that Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, will be Australia’s next Chief of Air Force. The appointment was made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Government for a period of four years from 4 July 2019.

Air Marshal Hupfeld is currently serving as the Chief Joint Operations and has extensive leadership and operational experience through senior positions including Air Commander Australia and Head Force Design.

His experience in these roles makes him ideally suited to continue the development of the Air Force as a modern and effective force capable of undertaking regional and global operations.

The current Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC, will complete his tenure on 3 July 2019, after what will have been 40 years of exemplary service.

The Government extends its sincere gratitude to Air Marshal Davies, who has been relentless in embedding a culture of innovation and integration that will continue to shape the Air Force for generations to come.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General Campbell, AO, DSC, has advised the Government that Major General Greg Bilton, AM, CSC will be promoted to Lieutenant General and appointed as the Chief Joint Operations, from 28 June 2019.

Major General Bilton is currently serving as the Commander Forces Command within Army and is a highly experienced officer with extensive leadership and operations experience through senior positions including Deputy Chief Joint Operations, and Commander 7th Brigade. He has also served as Deputy Commanding General United States Army Pacific.

The Government congratulates Air Marshal Hupfeld and Major General Bilton on their selection and wishes Air Marshal Davies well in all his future endeavours.