By Corporal Simone Liebelt
 |
|
ACM Angus Houston with retired ACM Sir Neville McNamara,
exclusive members of the four-star club.
|
IT
WAS a night of tradition, celebration and history as the only
other surviving Air Force four-star officer joined Air Chief Marshal
Angus Houston for his official dining-out function.
At the age of 82, former Chief of Defence Force Staff, Air Chief
Marshal Sir Neville McNamara, retired, was the special guest at
the formal event, held in the Great Hall of Parliament House on
July 2.
The late Sir Frederick Scherger was the only other Australian
to reach the rank of Air Chief Marshal, so it was a significant
occasion for Sir Neville to celebrate the achievement of his successor
in traditional Air Force custom.
More than 600 other guests, from the most junior airman to senior
officer, also attended to pay their respects to the new CDF.
Hosted by DCAF Air Vice-Marshal Roxley McLennan, the night began
with the marching in of the Queen’s Colours by Warrant Officer
of the Air Force Peter Hall, followed by the saying of Grace by
Principal Chaplain, Air Commodore Peter O’Keefe.
In true mess fashion, dinner was followed by guests passing the
port for the traditional “Loyal Toast” to the Queen.
Official speeches and the handover of command to Air Marshal Geoff
Shepherd then took place, after which formalities ended with the
marching out of the Colours.
Guests then had the opportunity to relax and mingle as the Air
Command Band took to the stage.
Back
