Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Allan Grant (Angus) Houston, AM, AFC

Air Marshal Angus Houston joined the RAAF in 1970 as a cadet pilot in 1970 and spent the early part of his career flying Iroquois helicopters in various parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

After graduation from Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Air Marshal Houston completed several instructional tours on Macchi, BAC Strikemaster and Iroquois aircraft.

A posting to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) from 1976-1978 was followed by two years at RAAF Base Amberley. In late 1979 Air Marshal Houston was posted to Hill Air Force Base, Utah for exchange duties with a United States Air Force helicopter unit. In 1980 he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) for an open sea rescue in gale force winds the previous year.

After a further posting to No. 9 Squadron as the Executive Officer, and staff training at RAAF Staff College, Air Marshal Houston was posted to the Department of Air (Development Division) where he was involved in the Black Hawk Project. In 1987, Air Marshal Houston assumed command of No. 9 Squadron in time for the introduction of the Black Hawk, relocation of the unit from Amberley to Townsville and its transfer to Army. In 1989 he enjoyed one year as a Squadron Commander with the 5th Aviation Regiment.

Air Marshal Houston was admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1990 for his work in the transfer of responsibility for Black Hawk operations.

Following graduation from Joint Services Staff College, Air Vice-Marshal Houston was posted to the Joint Operations staff at Headquarters Australian Defence Force and was involved in strategic planning during the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. On promotion to Group Captain in July 1992, he assumed the post of Director of Air Force Policy and negotiated the establishment of the RSAF Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce. After completing a C130H conversion in 1993, Air Marshal Houston commanded No. 86 Wing from 1994-95.

Air Marshal Houston attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London in 1996. He was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre in 1997-99 and Commander Integrated Air Defence System from 1999-2000. He assumed the position of Head Strategic Command on 17 August 2000 and was promoted to Air Marshal and took over as Chief of Air Force on 19 June 2001.

Air Marshal Houston is married to Liz, who is a teacher, and they have three sons.