In a significant day for Air Command, two Force Element Group (FEG) Commander Transfers of Command occurred at RAAF Base Williamtown last year on December 11.
Headquarters Surveillance and Response Group (SRG) conducted a Transfer of Command Ceremony to mark the end of tenure for Air Commodore Louise desJardins, and to welcome incoming Commander SRG Air Commodore Michael Durant.
Air Commodore desJardins commenced the role of Commander SRG on December 7, 2023, after completing her posting in Israel as the Defence Attache Tel Aviv.
She said it had been a privilege to command SRG and that during her tenure, she met many aviators, APS members, contractors and Defence industry partners who are working together to generate capability and prepare to defend Australia.
"During this time, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance has seen the arrival of three MQ-4C Tritons, the 13th P-8A Poseidon, the re-establishment of 12 Squadron, and are on the cusp of the MC-55A Peregrine fleet arriving," Air Commodore desJardins said.
"Air Navigation Service Provider welcomed Aeronautical Information Service - Air Force into 44 Wing, deployed the Deployed Defence Air Traffic Management and Control System, and have learnt a lot about our new fixed defence air traffic management and control system radars.
"While the Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities are all operating under 41 Wing, JORN [Jindalee Operational Radar Network] phase 6 upgrade has progressed faster than scheduled and Air Battle Management System 2.0, and the E-7A Wedgetail, continue to provide world leading capability."
She added that SRG has teams deployed across the nation and globe on an almost continual basis.
"I acknowledge and thank all of our families for their support and the sacrifices they make to enable SRG members to undertake their duties, in particular my husband and children - we could not do it without you," Air Commodore desJardins said.
"Lastly, a big thank you and farewell to the SRG FEG Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Russell Beck, who has been a stalwart of support and trusted advisor not only to me, but to many within Air Command."
'Today's ACG continues to build on the legacy of those that have come before us.'
Air Commodore Michael Durant commences the Commander SRG role after completing his tenure as the Director General Strategy and Planning - Air Force, where he was responsible for ensuring Air Force strategic direction aligns with Defence's mission to defend Australia and its national interests.
Air Commodore desJardins welcomed Air Commodore Mick Durant, and incoming FEG Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Korey McGregor.
"I know that your leadership and stewardship will strengthen and enhance the significant leaps and bounds made over the past two years," she said.
Headquarters Air Combat Group (ACG) also held a Transfer of Command Ceremony to commemorate the end of tenure for Air Commodore Peter Robinson and to welcome Air Commodore Matthew McCormack to his new role as Commander at ACG.
Air Commodore Robinson was transferred command of ACG on December 15, 2022, from his role as Director General Air Combat Capability. Having had a long and rich career in and out of ACG, he said he was proud of his time in the FEG.
"From starting my time in ACG with one stripe as a pilot officer through to finishing my time in ACG with one stripe as an air commodore, I look back with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the privilege, experiences and opportunities that I've been fortunate to have been given in an amazing part of Air Force," Air Commodore Robinson said.
"In particular, working with the phenomenal aviators, public servants, contractors and defence industry partners of ACG has been the highlight of my professional career.
"Today's ACG continues to build on the legacy of those that have come before us to continually enhance the effectiveness of Australia's air combat capability. Each and every member of ACG should look upon their achievements with pride."
Having completing his tenure as the Director General Special Access Program, where he was responsible for national oversight of the Defence Special Access Program enterprise, Air Commodore McCormack is taking command of ACG.
Air Commodore Robinson said: "I hand over command of ACG to Air Commodore Matt 'Mack' McCormack with full confidence that he will lead ACG to even higher levels throughout his command tenure against a backdrop of an extremely challenging strategic environment."
