Breaking News
Taking to the air for flying farewell
Friday 4 July, 2008 8:00am
CHANGE is well and truly in the air at the RAAF with a new chief at the helm and the retirement of the last B707.
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin handed over the reins to Air Vice-Marshal Mark Skidmore at a ceremony at the RAAF Base Glenbrook on Friday.
Air Commander Australia is responsible for all Air Force flying and support activities and the 11,000 air command personnel from the force's 13,500 overall number. He is also responsible for more than 200 aircraft.
Meanwhile, Air Vice-Marshal Binskin will be promoted to Air Marshal next week and will be Chief of Air Force from Friday.
"It has been a real privilege to serve as (Air Commander Australia) during the past 12 months," he said. "Air Force continues to face challenges through very high operational tempo.
"Our people are working hard across Australia and around the world. I am very proud of what they are achieving."
Air Vice-Marshal Binskin wished his successor well in the position "it's a demanding job".
Air Vice-Marshal Skidmore joined the RAAF in 1977.
His background is flying fast jets, in particular the F-111. He has served in a range of strategic and operational positions including a deployment as Middle East Coalition Air Operations Centre director in 2005.
He will move to Glenbrook from Canberra where he was Air Joint Operations Command director general.
"I am honoured to be selected as Air Commander and I'm looking forward to the challenges of this role," Air Vice-Marshal Skidmore said.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd thanked Air Vice-Marshal Binskin for his leadership and welcomed Air Vice-Marshal Skidmore to the position.
A week later, the base was the site for pomp and ceremony as Air Marshal Shepherd handed over command to Air Marshal Binskin. The Thursday occasion was marked by two fly pasts. The first involved an F-111 jet from No.6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley and two F/A-18 Hornets from No.81 Wing at RAAF Base Williamtown. The second involved an F-111 conducting an evening dump and burn display above the base followed by the end-of-an-era parade for 33 Squadron's retirement of the B707.
