Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this morning announced that Vice Admiral David Johnston has been recommended to the Governor General as the next Chief of Defence Force (CDF).
VADM Johnston is currently Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) and on appointment will replace the present CDF, General Angus Campbell.
The current Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, will become the next VCDF, with Air Vice Marshal Stephen Chappell to become the new CAF on promotion to Air Marshal.
“Pleased to recommend to the Governor-General that Vice Admiral David Johnston be appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force. And to recommend Air Marshal Robert Chipman as the new Vice Chief of the Defence Force,” PM Albanese announced on social media this morning.
“We extend our deepest gratitude and thanks to retiring Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, for his dedicated service over many years.
“I’d like to congratulate all personnel who have accepted new appointments. You hold the values the Australian public expect of our military leaders. I look forward to working with the new personnel appointments to deliver a more integrated and focused Australian Defence Force.”