1 October 2020
A virtual ceremony was held at RAAF base Edinburgh to present Squadron Leader Peter Knox a medallion for his award-winning submission for the CAF Essay Competition AVM Wrigley Prize.
Inspired by the changing landscape of Air Power, the essay examined whether Air Force had truly transitioned into a fifth-generation Air Force.
“The term fifth-generation Air Force was being used everywhere so I thought I would try and answer the question,” Squadron Leader Knox said.
“I was interested to explore when the journey began, what has been achieved thus far and if anything is still missing from the equation.
“Central to the argument was the definition of a fifth-generation Air Force where the decision-maker at every level has the information on hand to make timely and well-informed decisions.
“While Air Force has made tremendous gains, there is still more work to do.”
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld (virtually) and Commander Air Warfare Centre Air Commodore Brendan Rogers presented the medallion at the Air Warfare Centre’s Innovation Hub.
In a diverse and rewarding career spanning 33 years, the executive officer at Air Force Test Ranges Squadron joined as a radio technician air.
He said he still remembered the newspaper ad that motivated him to join.
“I was always interested in electronics so I looked into it and then went off to recruiting. A month later I was in,” Squadron Leader Knox said.
“There have been many highlights throughout my career, including a posting to Scotland as the AEO on the Nimrod MR2, flying on the P3 and the many friends I have made during my time at No. 92 Wing, which has been very special.”
After completing a Command and Staff course, Squadron Leader Knox was interested in furthering his air power knowledge, which ultimately led to receiving a notable mention for the prestigious award.
“The Air Power Development Centre offers some great courses and I thought as the executive officer of a large squadron, it would benefit me to do some of those courses in order to lead my members in beginning or furthering their air power journey,” Squadron Leader knox said.
“Following the Age of Air Power, I was encouraged to enter the Chief of Air Force Essay Competition. I really enjoyed writing the essay and was very pleased that the Chief of Air Force also liked it.
“To be recognised in such a way through the use of technology such as VERA, really captures where we are going as an Air Force and to be able to share that with all my AWC colleagues and some close friends was especially gratifying.”
