31 March 2025
Transcript
During the Second World War, one of the most famous recruitment posters for the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force was headlined ‘Keep them flying’.1 At the time, aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force were crewed only by men. As our airmen were sent overseas to serve in the war, we needed women to take on many ground roles traditionally performed by men, such as flight mechanics, radar operators, instrument makers and armament workers.
The poster rightly implied that without women performing these roles on the ground, our airmen and aircraft couldn’t have taken to the skies. Women kept them flying.
Much has changed since the Second World War, but the premise that boots on the ground help aircraft achieve success in the skies has not.
I spent my first 100 days as Chief of Air Force travelling around to our RAAF bases. My message to our aviators, Australian Public Service workforce, and industry colleagues is that everyone is part of the Air Domain team.
Every area, function and role within Air Force contributes to our mission of generating and delivering highly effective air power as part of an integrated and focused force.
As we continue our shift from service-centric approaches towards greater integration with other Defence elements, it is important we are all connected to Air Force’s mission and we all work together as part of the broader Air Domain team.
Working closer in this way will require us to continue to build integration and team cohesion into our daily activities. Achieving this will enhance our ability to fight and win if we are called upon to defend our nation and its interests.
Throughout the many proud chapters of our history, from the Australian Flying Corps in the First World War, through to our Air Force’s contribution in the Second World War, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, Vietnam War, Iraq and Afghanistan, peacekeeping missions and other times of crisis, the successful generation and delivery of air power has always taken a team effort. Today is no different.
We will work together, side-by-side to deliver air power for Australia, both now and in the future.
Happy 104th birthday Royal Australian Air Force.
Per Ardua ad Astra.
Stephen Chappell, DSC, CSC, OAM
Air Marshal
Chief of Air Force
1 Changing Altitudes: Stories of Australian Air Force Women p.97