AVM Treloar signs the 'handover' documents while newcomer RADM Ritchie watches.

One hundred and twenty members of the four arms of the Australian Defence Force - sailors, soldiers, airmen and women and civilian public servants attached to Headquarters Australian Theatre, gathered on the lawns of the Sydney complex in August.

They were there to farewell 'the boss' and to welcome a new one.

Leaving after 27 months in the role was Commander Australian Theatre Air Vice-Marshal Bob Treloar - taking his place was Rear Admiral Chris Ritchie.

The second COMAST, AVM Treloar was responsible for putting the new HQ Australian Theatre into operation. In his parting speech he said the past 27 months had been extremely busy, being involved in a total of 24 operations. He thanked staff for their work effort whom for many it meant long hours. 'I could not have searched for a better team to work with,' he said.

Addressing the assembled HQAST staff and a group of VIPs, RADM Ritchie said working at HQAST was the nearest thing to being at the 'sharp end' without being in the field. 'I have only been here two days but I have been impressed with the briefings that I have received,' he said. 'I am an AST enthusiast. I was a keen volunteer for the job.'

He warned the parade it should be 'ready to move when the time comes' to take HQAST to the planned new complex in the Queanbeyan region. 'I am pleased to be back,' RADM Ritchie, who was a former RAN head at the centre, concluded.

AVM Treloar goes to Canberra before he completes his career in the RAAF later in the year.

Story by Graham Davis
Photograph by LSPH Damian Pawlenko