I want to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas.

And for those who have the opportunity, a safe and happy holidays.

And to thank you personally for what has been a big year for the Australian Defence Force.

To all of our people, thank you for your work.

You have worked tirelessly to defend Australia's interests and keep our country safe, secure and prosperous, and you have done it with commitment, determination and excellence.

I am proud of what you have achieved and you should be too.

To all our people who are either deployed or working over Christmas, thank you for your service.

Service life brings with it considerable demands. It is never easy to give up time with our families, our loved ones and our friends, including our four legged ones.

I thank you. I appreciate you. And I ask that you look after each other over this time.

To all our families and our veterans, thank you for your support. Our people cannot do what they do without you.

Despite the challenges of service life, you consistently demonstrate quiet strength and remarkable resilience. I value you and your vital role.

And I ask that you lean on the organisation and others for support if you need it.

We have delivered multiple priorities at the same time and at speed. We end the year as a larger, more lethal and more prepared ADF that is in a better place to protect you and Australia. A faster, more focused and more integrated ADF that is in a better place to respond quickly to change, and an ADF working to improve our teamwork and workplace so that everyone can excel.

Thank you and let's do it all again next year.

Admiral David Johnston AC RAN
Chief of the Defence Force