15 October 2020
In February, 1993, the role of Warrant Officer of the RAAF was created to advise and assist the Chief of Air Force and commanders on the morale, work-life and general welfare of the airmen and airwomen in the Air Force.
In December, 2005, the name changed to Warrant Officer of the Air Force (WOFF-AF) and the incumbent, Fiona Grasby, is the ninth appointment to hold this critically important role.
"From the heart of who I am, please know that I have come from a modest beginning, the daughter of a 1RAR Vietnam veteran, and as a passionate curious 17-year-old, was encouraged to set off on an adventure and join the Air Force, where I ambitiously set out to save the world one cause at a time," WOFF-AF Grasby said.
"I have grown up in Defence, and during my journey I have been intrinsically enriched to have met and been influenced by so many inspiring people."
WOFF-AF Grasby enlisted in the Air Force in 1987 as a 17-year-old from Gwandalan, NSW, and completed her initial employment training as a supplier.
Mustering to security police in 1992, WOFF-AF Grasby specialised in counterintelligence and special investigations.
During her career, WOFF-AF Grasby deployed to areas including; Afghanistan, Singapore, the United States and the Middle East region for Operation Okra, where she was the facility security manager for Air Task Group-Strike.
Her centre of interest lies in the professional education, development and support of the workforce.
"The rich tapestry that characterises our one Defence force, is one where diversity and culture are embraced, where influential leadership at every level is not only encouraged, but fostered, and where the focus on the truly joint integrated force is promoting progressive opportunities," WOFF-AF Grasby said.
"This helps ensure that we are a powerful multi-domain force in an ever-changing geopolitical climate both globally and regionally."
WOFF-AF Grasby is married and has an adult daughter and a teenage son. Her interests include travelling, reading and yoga.
You can watch WOFF-AF Grasby's story here.
With people a strong focus of the Air Force Centenary, throughout 2020 and 2021 exceptional members who have contributed to the Air Force will be featured on www.airforce.gov.au/100 and WOFF-AF Grasby is a fine example of the thousands of people who make up our Air Force.
Planning is underway for the commemoration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation in March 1921 and further information may be obtained at www.airforce.gov.au/100
