Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM has been welcomed as the new Chief of Air Force today (3 July) during a ceremonial parade to transfer command with outgoing chief Air Marshal Robert Chipman, AO, CSC.

Air Marshal Chappell has become the 28th Chief of Air Force and will be charged with ensuring that the Royal Australian Air Force becomes an increasingly integrated and focused force.

“Australia faces its most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War. Our key to success is twofold – looking after each other through the embodiment of our Defence values and doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well,” he said.

“My role as your Chief of Air Force is to serve you, our aviators and our nation in this noble endeavour. I am honoured to be your 28th Chief of Air Force and I look forward to repaying the trust placed in me.”

During the parade, aviators farewelled outgoing chief Air Marshal Chipman who served in the role since 1 July 2022. He oversaw the Air Force’s response to the Defence Strategic Review and implementation of the National Defence Strategy.

He will be appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Force on 9 July 2024.

“Today marks a transition in leadership. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as the 27th Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force,” AIRMSHL Chipman said.

“I would like to thank the Secretary and Chief of the Defence Force, and my fellow senior Defence leaders. Thank you, colleagues, for your collaborative approach in developing integrated solutions to the extraordinarily complex challenges we face every single day, and for your friendship to Alyce and I. We look forward to continuing this work with you in the years ahead.”

In April, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recommended a raft of senior leadership changes to the Governor-General.

Under the changes, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral David Johnston AC, RAN, will be appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force, replacing retiring Chief General Angus Campbell AO, DSC.

“I’d like to congratulate all personnel for accepting these appointments and leading the Australian Defence Force with the values and tenets the Australian public expect of our military leaders,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“I look forward to working with you to plan and deliver a more integrated and focused Defence Force.

“I’d personally like to thank General Campbell for his service over many years.

“General Campbell has served our nation with great distinction during a period of significant strategic change and cultural reform.”