After nearly 50 years of service, Admiral David Johnston handed over command of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to Admiral Mark Hammond at a change of command ceremony in Canberra on July 9.
Now Australia's longest-serving three- and four-star ADF officer, Admiral Johnston said the people he worked with throughout his career had been the highlight of his service.
"It is genuinely inspiring to come to work every day with individuals who are deeply committed to serving their nation and giving their best in often challenging circumstances," he said.
Over the past two years as the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), Admiral Johnston and his leadership team have overseen faster delivery of capability programs, strengthened partnerships in the Indo-Pacific through regular exercises, operations and training, and helped grow the ADF workforce.
The ADF also recorded its highest annual personnel intake in 15 years, while separation rates fell.
'It is genuinely inspiring to come to work every day with individuals who are deeply committed to serving their nation.'
Admiral Hammond now takes on the role of CDF after 40 years of service with the Royal Australian Navy and acknowledged Admiral Johnston as a mentor of 15 years.
"I extend my deepest gratitude to Admiral Johnston for his service and leadership," Admiral Hammond said.
"Throughout his impressive career he has always had a reputation for clear and considered leadership, incisive insight and perspective, and a genuine care and compassion for his team and their families."
Admiral Hammond, who has served on frigates, commanded submarines, and held senior roles including Fleet Commander and, until July 7, Chief of Navy, is also now the first submariner to lead the ADF.
He said he and his team were committed to setting the conditions that will allow sailors, soldiers and aviators to prevail.
"The ADF stands ready to do the nation's toughest work under the most challenging conditions imaginable whenever and wherever directed by Government," Admiral Hammond said.
In closing, Admiral Johnston borrowed words from his wife, saying that out of the unpredictability and challenges of service, something remarkable grows.
"Partnerships, resilience, community and lifelong friendships. The bonds that form through this life are real and lasting; they remain long after postings and uniforms change, and careers have concluded," he said.
"And that, I think, is perhaps the greatest gift of service life."
