Vice Admiral David Johnston has been appointed the new chief of the Australian Defense Force.
Vice Admiral Johnston will take over in July from current Chief General Angus Campbell, the longest-serving head of the defense force, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.
“Vice Admiral Johnson has consistently distinguished himself with his ability to ensure that different elements of the defense work together,” he added.
“His understanding of integrated defense will be critical to achieving the priorities and recommendations of the Defense Strategic Review, and ensuring that our Defense Force has the right capabilities and leadership to meet the challenges ahead.” to cope.’
Vice Admiral David Johnston has been appointed the new chief of the Australian Defense Force
Vice Admiral Johnston will take over in July from current Chief General Angus Campbell, who is the longest-serving head of the defense force, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.
Vice Admiral Johnston joined the Army in 1978 at the age of 16 and was appointed Vice Chief of Staff in 2018, having previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His appointment marks the first time in 23 years that the chief of armed forces has come from the Navy.
The new defense chief said he was honored by the appointment.
“I am acutely aware of the responsibility this role entails, the strategic environment we find ourselves in and, above all, the responsibility I have to the extraordinary men and women in the Australian Defense Force and the families who support them,” said he. .
The appointment of Vice Admiral Johnston has led to a shake-up in senior positions within the Defense Force.
Air Marshal Robert Chipman, who was previously chief of air staff, will become the next deputy chief of the Australian Defense Force.
Air Vice Marshal Stephen Chappell has been appointed as the next head of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said Vice Admiral Johnston had been crucial to reforms within the Defense Force.
Vice Admiral Johnston joined the Army in 1978 at the age of 16 and was appointed Vice Chief of Defense Force in 2018, previously serving in Iraq and Afghanistan (photo, General Angus Campbell)
“He has been in the engine room of all the work we have done over the last two years and this is a moment when we need safe hands and deep experience to move our defense force forward,” he said.
“David has played a pivotal role in reshaping the Australian Defense Force, both culturally and, importantly, as Deputy Chief of Defense Force, in terms of the platforms and capabilities we are seeking to acquire.”
Mr Albanese also paid tribute to General Campbell, who has held the top post since 2018.
“He has earned Australia’s respect and deep gratitude and we wish him all the best for his future,” he said.