Media Release

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR RAAF STAFF COLLEGE FAIRBAIRN

RAAF Staff College will mark its fiftieth anniversary tomorrow with a new Defence degree awarded to its 1999 graduates. Students from 10 overseas countries are represented in the Class of 99.

A total of 49 graduates will receive the new Master of Defence Studies degree under the auspices of the University of Canberra.

Acting Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Alan Titheridge will present the graduation address before about 200 Defence, diplomatic and family representatives at the National Library.

Air Marshal Titheridge praised the Command and Staff Course for its contribution to the development of military leaders of the future and its role as a promoter of international understanding.

"The RAAF Command and Staff Course is making history through the awarding of this new degree which recognises the substantial academic content of the course. I also congratulate the College on the completion of fifty years of professional development of military leaders".

The Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Ms Wendy McCarthy, and the Training Commander of the Air Force, Air Commodore Doug Chipman, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the foyer of the National Library prior to the graduation ceremony.

"This agreement between the University and the RAAF represents a partnership which will benefit both organisations, and strengthens the bonds between the military and academia", the Chancellor said.

Further information:
Wing Commander Mike Rzechowicz

(02) 6287 6357 (BH)

(02) 6251 4662 (AH)

Mr James Hanratty - University of Canberra 0416 233 345

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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