Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Defence
I warmly congratulate the United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen USN, following his appointment as an Honorary Officer (AO) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia at Government House in Melbourne today.
Admiral Mullen was nominated for the award in recognition of his distinguished service to the military relationship between Australia and the United States of America as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Governor of Victoria, His Excellency Professor David de Kretser, representing the GovernorGeneral, invested Admiral Mullen in the presence of the US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, US Secretary of Defense, Dr Robert Gates, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and the Secretary of Defence, Dr Ian Watt.
Admiral Mullen’s appointment as an Honorary Officer in the Military Division of the Order of Australia recognises his outstanding contribution to the safety and security of Australian forces in Iraq during 2007 and 2008. His leadership has been characterised by his strategic understanding, dogged determination, and his command approach.
Admiral Mullen was sworn in as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 1 October 2007. He serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, Admiral Mullen served as the 28th Chief of Naval Operations.
During Admiral Mullen’s time as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Australia’s Alliance with the United States has strengthened considerably.
Admiral Mullen has also made an outstanding contribution to the United States and Australia as operational and exercise partners in combined exercises in the AsiaPacific region.
A copy of Admiral Mullen’s citation is available at:http://www.gg.gov.au/res/file/2010/honours/S%20201%20Embargo.pdf
Imagery will be available on arrival at: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download
