Commanding role for Air Commodore

Changing of the guard ...Brigadier Maurie McNarn (left) and Air Commodore Graham Bentley under Baghdad’s crossed swords. Photo by Corporal Darren Hilder

AIR Commodore Graham Bentley has been appointed the Australian Commander Joint Task Force for the Middle East Area of Operations.

AIRCDRE Bentley has replaced Brigadier Maurie McNarn.

He began his duties in the Middle East on May 23.

“Air Commodore Bentley takes over command at a time when Coalition operations in Iraq are transitioning to an important and vital stage,” Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill said.

“Following the return of ADF members serving in the Middle East as part of Operation Falconer, about 1000 ADF deployed personnel will continue carrying out essential tasks such as air traffic control of the Baghdad International Airport, security for the Australian Representative Mission, assistance to locate and destroy Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, ongoing maritime patrol duties in the Persian Gulf and air transport tasks.”

Senator Hill said that during a recent visit to the Middle East it was clear that “morale was very high, the men and women of the ADF were working hard and very proud of what they’ve been able to achieve”.

CV: AIRCDRE Graham Bentley

Born in Ballarat, Victoria, the son of an Air Force navigator. Joined Air Force in June 1974 to undertake basic navigator training. Graduated as dux of his course in 1975 and posted to No.11 Squadron to fly P-3B Orions. March 1978: Attached to the USA for one of the initial P-3C update transitions and was part of crew that flew the first P-3C to Australia. 1981-83: On exchange to No.415 Squadron in Nova Scotia, Canada. On return, posted to No.292 Squadron as an instructor until end of 1985 when posted to the Australian Joint Maritime Warfare Centre as Staff Officer Air Operations. 1988-89: Executive Officer No.11 Squadron. End of 1990: Graduated from RAAF Staff College. 1991-93: Deputy Director Trials - Air Force. Mid-1993-mid 95: Posted as Commanding Officer of School of Air Navigation. 1995-97: Commander Patrol Wings US Pacific Fleet Headquarters as Readiness Plans Officer and Assistant Chief of Staff Training. 1997-present: Appointments have included being Director Plans at Headquarters Air Command, coordinator of the Global Hawk Deployment and Director General Policy and Plans - Air Force. AIRCDRE Bentley’s most recent appointment was Commander Maritime Patrol Group in South Australia, responsible for all aspects of P-3 Orion operations. AIRCDRE Bentley is married with two children and his hobbies include golf, computers, gardening, rock music, coupled with a fine appreciation of red wine and food.

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