From 2022 to 2024, Air Commodore Angus Porter fulfilled one of the most strategically important bilateral roles in Defence: serving as the Australian Air and Space Attaché to the United States.

Posted to Washington, Air Commodore Porter was responsible for leading Australia’s engagement with the United States Air Force and Space Force, including coordinating senior-level dialogues and engagements, as well as advising Australian teams on United States air and space capability developments.

His role was key in strengthening the interoperability, resilience and lethality of the combined forces.

When he returned home to Australia, suitcase a little heavier, it was after receiving one of the most prestigious United States military honours: the Legion of Merit.

The Legion of Merit is awarded to those who demonstrate exceptionally meritorious conduct in their performance, service and achievements. Air Commodore Porter received this award for the exceptional planning and execution, leadership and initiative he used to enhance bilateral relations and strategic alignment between Australia and the United States Air Forces.

Air Commodore Porter said receiving the award was an unexpected, but deeply humbling honour.

“Nothing achieved during my posting was done alone. It was the product of exceptional people in the embassy, across Defence and throughout our Royal Australian Air Force network in the United States. I really accepted the award on behalf of all of them,” he said.

“The award reflects the strength of the Australia–United States alliance and the quality of an Air Force team I was privileged to represent.”

'My advice is simple: be curious, work hard and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone.'

Although delivering dialogues required focus and adaptability, Air Commodore Porter highlighted one of the more rewarding parts of his job – visiting and connecting with Royal Australian Air Force personnel and their families stationed across the United States.

“Seeing their professionalism, dedication and the value they bring to the alliance was inspiring,” he said. 

“It reminded me constantly of the importance of our mission, and something I considered one of the real privileges of the job.”

While working in one of the busiest diplomatic and military engagement environments in the world, he expressed his immense gratitude for the support of his family.

“The real challenge was being away from family for long periods, but their support made everything possible,” Air Commodore Porter said. 

“I'm enormously grateful for the resilience my wife and teenage children showed throughout the posting.”

Reflecting on the honour and experience he has received throughout his career, Air Commodore Porter encouraged those thinking about joining Defence to embrace curiosity, commitment and the willingness to stretch themselves.

“The Air Force offers an extraordinary career built on teamwork and service. My advice is simple: be curious, work hard and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone,” he said. 

“If you value service, enjoy solving complex problems and want to be part of something bigger, then the Air Force and Defence’s expanding role in space offer careers that are both meaningful and incredibly rewarding.”