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Vice Admiral David Johnston has been appointed as the new head of the Australian Defense Force.
Vice Admiral Johnston will replace current Chief Gen. Angus Campbell, who is the longest-serving defense chief, in July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.
“Vice Admiral Johnson has consistently distinguished himself by his ability to ensure that the different elements of the defense work together,” he added.
“Their understanding of integrated defense will be instrumental in delivering on the priorities and recommendations of the strategic defense review, ensuring our defense force has the right capabilities and the right leadership to meet future challenges.”
Vice Admiral David Johnston has been appointed as the new head of the Australian Defense Force
Vice Admiral Johnston will replace current chief Gen. Angus Campbell, who is the longest-serving head of the defense forces, in July, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.
Vice Admiral Johnston joined the Army in 1978, aged 16, and was appointed Vice Chief of the Defense Forces in 2018, having previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His appointment marks the first time in 23 years that the head of the defense forces has come from the Navy.
The incoming head of the defense forces said he was honored by the appointment.
“I am acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with this role, the strategic environment we find ourselves in and, more particularly, the responsibility I have to the extraordinary men and women of the Australian Defense Force and the families who support them,” he said. . .
The promotion of Vice-Admiral Johnston has led to a shake-up of senior roles in the defense forces.
Air Marshal Robert Chipman, who previously served as chief of the Air Force, will become the next vice-chief of the Australian Defense Force.
Air Vice Marshal Stephen Chappell will be named the next head of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said Vice-Admiral Johnston had been instrumental in reform within the defense forces.
Vice Admiral Johnston joined the Army in 1978, aged 16, and was appointed Vice Chief of the Defense Forces in 2018, having previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan (pictured, General Angus Campbell).
“It has been in the engine room of all the work we have done over the last two years and this is a time when we need a safe pair of hands and deep expertise to take our defense force forward,” he said.
“David has been at the heart of the reshaping of the Australian Defense Force both in terms of culture but also, more importantly, as deputy chief of the defense force, in terms of the platforms and capabilities we are looking to acquire.”
Albanese also paid tribute to General Campbell, who has held the top position since 2018.
“He has earned the respect and deep gratitude of Australia and we wish him all the best for his future,” he said.
