AIRMSHL Errol McCormack handed over command of the RAAF to AVM Angus Houston (he assumed AIRMSHL rank the following day) at the Change of Command Parade on 19 June. (Photograph by CPL James Elmer RLC.)

The sounds of the Royal Australian Air Force Central Band, the thunder of a low level flypast and a 50-strong Guard of Honour provided the perfect backdrop for the Chief of Air Force Change of Command Parade last month.

The sun was shining in Canberra on 19 June as one man farewelled, and another welcomed, the title Chief of Air Force.

Special guests, RAAF personnel and Department of Defence civilians gathered in Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey Square to witness Air Marshal Errol McCormack officially hand over command of the RAAF to his successor, Air Vice-Marshal Angus Houston (he assumed AIRMSHL rank the following day).

The Parade was carried out with dignity and professionalism - a fitting tribute to the two leaders. And there were mixed emotions as the men performed their ceremonial duties.

AVM Houston with Federation Guard member LACW Melanie Jenkins, Air Field Defence Guard members LAC Michael Eadie and LAC Brett Suttor and CPL Mark French from DPA, at a cocktail party later that day. (Photo by WO Steve Dent (Ret'd).)

For the CAF of the past three years, AIRMSHL McCormack, the parade not only marked the end of his term as Chief, but also of his near 40-year RAAF career; while the ceremony heralded the beginning of a new phase in the Air Force career of AVM Houston.

The Parade was led by Host Officer, Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence, and Master of Ceremonies was RAAF Reservist, Flight Lieutenant Peter Meehan. It began with the march on of the RAAF Central Band and the 50-person Half Guard and Ensign Party, consisting of Federation Guard and Air Field Defence Wing members.

AIRMSHL McCormack thanked whoever had 'ordered the perfect weather' before proclaiming the Parade 'a terrific way to say farewell to the RAAF of which I have been a proud member for 39 years'.

'Since one of the reasons my friend and confidante, Faye, married me 33 years ago was to enable her to go to military parades, it is also a most fitting way for Faye to say farewell - thank you,' he said.

Outgoing CAF, AIRMSHL Errol McCormack, inspects the Guard of Honour, stopping briefly to chat with a member of the Air Field Defence Wing. (Photograph by CPL James Elmer RLC.)

'After the disruption of the last 10 years … we have now developed a solid basis on which to build the RAAF of the future. This foundation has been achieved through some exceptional work by a lot of dedicated people and particularly by the senior leadership group and their supporting staffs. I have been very proud to have been a part of the team.

'Angus and Liz, congratulations to you both from Faye and from me. I know you will both be very successful in your new roles. Your backgrounds equip you well for the tasks ahead and I'm afraid it is no bed of roses that I hand to you. However, the people of the organisation are well trained, well educated and dedicated to the tasks at hand and I am sure they will serve you as they have served me. I wish you every success in your command.

A flypast courtesy of 81 and 82 Wings was a highlight of the CAF Change of Command Parade. (Photograph by WO Steve Dent (Ret'd).)

'Finally, I would like to thank the men and women of the Air Force team who have supported me so well during my term as Chief. It has been an honour and a privilege to have served with you. We have achieved a lot and also had some good times and fun along the way.'

AVM Houston responded by acknowledging his predecessor's 'substantial contribution over three years during a period of extensive change and management reform.

'It has not been an easy time, but under AIRMSHL McCormack's clear strategic direction and decisive leadership, the Air Force has achieved objectives required by Government,' he said. 'Air Marshal McCormack leaves behind a smaller but more operationally capable Air Force. Through his passionate advocacy, Air Force has a secure future.'

New CAF, AIRMSHL Angus Houston enjoys a casual chat with RAAF Central Band Leader, FLTLT Steve Wright, at his celebratory cocktail party, RAAF Fairbairn. (Photograph by WO Steve Dent (Ret'd).)

AVM Houston added that Mrs McCormack had stood solidly by her husband's side.

'Faye has supported Errol in an exemplary way,' he said. 'Ever the warm and generous hostess, she has been a model of elegance, charm and grace. Together they have represented Air Force superbly, both here in Australia and overseas, not only during the last three years, but throughout their married life in the Air Force.'

While expressing his 'deep honour' at being appointed Chief of Air Force, AVM Houston admitted he has much to live up to.

'I now command a Service that has great traditions of dedication, courage, esprit de corps and success in both peace and war,' he said.

The Change of Command Parade also involved presentations to the Chief by Aircraftman Jamie Watson and Warrant Officer of the RAAF, John Boydell, RAAF Principal Chaplain, Air Commodore Royce Thompson offered the invocation and the outgoing and incoming Chiefs signed the change of command certificates - all performed with precision.

The three-aircraft flypast was courtesy of 81 and 82 Wings.

By Rebecca Bullivant