Christmas
Messages
(MPEG video 4.66 MB)
CAF
AIRMSHL Angus Houston
 |
| CAF
AIRMSHL Angus Houston |
It'S been yet another demanding and successful year for the Air
Force.
In my time as CAF, as each year draws to a close and I take the
time to reflect on what has been achieved, I never cease to be
impressed with the quantity and quality of the work being undertaken.
This year has been no different and I thank you all for your continuing
professionalism, dedication, responsiveness and good humour under
pressure.
We've kept up an intense pace at home and on deployed operations
around the world.
Throughout the year we've formally welcomed home many people:
the team from BIAP; those who supported Op Anode in the Solomons;
and No. 36 Squadron from the MEAO.
We've also farewelled many others: No. 37 Squadron to the
MEAO; a team of ATCOs supporting the Coalition at Balad in Iraq;
and an ADF medical team in Iraq.
Of course, there has been the ongoing rotation of people supporting
the AP-3Cs in the Middle East and Op Relex in the north of Australia,
as well as all those back home quietly and competently ensuring
the day-to-day business of the Air Force does not falter.
These successes are underpinned by a very proud tradition of service
and sacrifice that goes back to the earliest days of last century.
This year was significant in the history of the Air Force for
two very special reasons: August 17 marked the 90th anniversary
of the first flying training course at the Central Flying School
at Point Cook and on December 10 we witnessed the graduation of
No. 200 Pilots Course from No. 2 Flying Training School. Every
Air Force member, Service and civilian, should feel great pride
in the attainment of such a milestone.
I would like to wish everyone the best for the Christmas and New
Year period. We've had a great year. I look forward to 2005
for the challenges it will inevitably bring and also to the safe
return home for those of our people who are still deployed overseas.
Those of you who will remain at work, in Australia and overseas
over this period, I would like to assure you that the job you're
doing is very important. The Australian people, your Air Force
colleagues, the Government, CDF and myself all thank you and appreciate
your sacrifices.
Enjoy yourselves, be safe, spend time with your loved ones and
feel pride in what we've achieved together during 2004.
