Chief of Air Force (Malaysia)

Transcription

Last year I spoke to you about the enormous effort and sacrifices that you made that allowed us, as an a force to achieve the level of success that we did. That success is something we should all be proud of. This year I have been even more impressed with your level of professionalism and dedication under sometimes sometimes been difficult circumstances. Throughout this year, tough decisions had to be made that affected all of us. Each and every one of you have stepped up and gave that bit extra to support our capability. Your efforts reflected the highest level of our core values and I thank you for that. This year has again seen Air Force achieve many milestones including the arrival of our sixth C-17 and the approval for the purchase the C-27 to further enhance our air mobility. We also saw the Wedgetail gaining IOC and the government made the announcement of the Growler acquisition. Our busy tempo saw us maintaining operational capability in the Middle East with C-130s, C-17s, Heron, and Orions and in our northern waters on Operation Resolute while still participating in exercises like Cope North, Red Flag, RIMPAC and of course Pitch Black. Pitch Black gave us the opportunity to exercise with a number of nations including Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, and the United States and, for the first time, within Indonesia and their Sukhoi Su-30s. The exercise program also saw our P-3s operating in Japan on exercise with the Japanese Self Defence Force and our KC-30s flew their first overseas missions in Malaysia and the UK. During this busy year we were once again called upon to provide life supporting assistance to our own civil communities in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The support ranged from people filling sandbags in Sale and Wagga, to dropping food supplies and providing aerial evacuations. We also assisted in search and rescue off Port Moresby and the Solomon Islands. All mammoth tasks that you delivered to great effect. 2012 also sees the end of an era with our C130 H aircraft being retired after thirty four years of dedicated service. This is an achievement that all of the men and women who worked with the H model can be proud of. And of course our Airfield Defence Guards from Amberley have joined their fellow Air Force members in Tarin Kot, where the ADGies have assumed responsibility for Base security. I was fortunate enough to visit the P3 crews before they departed the MEAO and, just last week, I was present for the consecration of 2 Squadrons Colours. Both significant events and just a small example of the numerous milestones and achievements for this year. With the end of the year rapidly approaching I know many of you will be looking forward to some time away to prepare for what next year brings. Until then, I ask that you use the Christmas period to take a well earned break. Go away and enjoy time with your family and friends, you've earned it! If you are on deployment this Christmas, know that your efforts and sacrifices are very much appreciated. On behalf of myself and my family, I'd like to wish you and your families our very best for a safe and Happy Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in 2013. Merry Christmas.