The Hon Stuart Robert MP
17 Sep 15
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The Hon Stuart Robert MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
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11 September 2014
The Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, visited RAAF Base Glenbrook today to tour Headquarters Air Command and meet the Air Commander Australia ahead of a Change of Command ceremony tomorrow.
Accompanied by the Federal Member for Macquarie, Louise Markus, Mr Robert said that Headquarters Air Command played an important role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the Air Force’s units and readiness for joint operations.
“Personnel from Headquarters Air Command have had a critical role in planning large scale exercises to maintain readiness for joint operations, including the recent success of Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory. It was inspiring to meet them and learn more about their work,” Mr Robert said.
“It was also a particularly special visit as it provided me with the unique opportunity to meet with both the outgoing and incoming Air Commander Australia at the same time.
“During his time as Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld DSC has delivered significant operational capability and I look forward to Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull achieving the same success.”
Mrs Markus thanked AVM Hupfeld DSC for his service to the nation and for his contributions to the local community.
“Mel has been involved in the local community right from the beginning, including as the patron of the Lapstone Primary School and as a regular plasma donor at the Nepean Blood Donation Centre,” Mrs Markus said.
“His role as senior Air Force officer in the Sydney region was important for ceremonial events such as the 2014 Anzac Day Parade, as well as more serious occasions such as the recent bushfires.”
Following a handover ceremony to Air Vice-Marshal Gavin Turnbull tomorrow, Air Vice-Marshal Hupfeld DSC finishes his two-and-a-half year tenure tomorrow and will continue his Air Force career as Head Capability Systems within the Capability Development Group in Canberra.
Media contacts:
Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office) (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999