THE HON GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement
Monday, 31 March 2008
SPEECH TO RAAF BIRTHDAY SERVICE Air Force Memorial, Anzac Parade
Monday, 31 March 2008
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY Thank you Air Marshal Shepherd. Minister for Veteran Affairs - The Honourable Alan Griffin Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, - Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie Chief of Navy - Vice Admiral Russ Shalders Representing Chief of Army - Brigadier Gus Gilmore Chief Defence Scientist – Dr Roger Lough Chief of Capability Development Group - Rear Admiral Matt Tripovich Assistant Chief Defence Force Reserves and Head Reserve Policy Major General Greg Melick National President of the RAAF Association – Air Vice-Marshal Roxley McLennan (retired),
Distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen, I am very proud to be able to represent the Minister for Defence here today for this very special event. Welcome to all of you who have joined us here to remember and celebrate this significant day. Air Marshal Shepherd, on behalf of the Government of Australia I thank you for your leadership of our great Air Force. I also thank the men and women of your Air Force for their service and dedication. The Air Force has a distinguished past and a positive future. From humble beginnings when you were officially created on the 31 March 1921, you have grown to great heights. The RAAF initially comprised 21 officers, 128 airmen and 153 aircraft. By April 1945, the RAAF consisted of over 18,000 personnel and 20 operational squadrons making it the world’s fourth largest Air Force at the time. Currently, with just over 13,500 permanent members 7,200 Reservists and about 940 civilians, you are a
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small force in global terms but you are a smart force – punching well above your weight. Since that time, the men and women of the Air Force have continued to distinguish themselves in the many theatres of war or conflict in which Australia has been involved including Korea, South-East Asia, Vietnam, East Timor, Kuwait and Iraq. Another equally important role fulfilled by the men and women of the Air Force is the relief work you have undertaken for our neighbours when required within our region. Today is an occasion to pay tribute to the almost 10,000 airmen and women who have given their lives serving Australia in conflict. We honour their service and sacrifice. On behalf of the Australian public, to the men and women of the Air Force, I wish you a Happy 87th Birthday and congratulate you on the tremendous work you have accomplished both away on operations and at home in Australia. You should all be very proud of your achievements and the great reputation you hold for getting the job done. Know that we, the Australian Government and the Australian people, thank you for your continued commitment, dedication and professionalism.
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