11 October 2024
It’s been a whirlwind start for Air Marshal Stephen Chappell since he took the reins as Chief of Air Force from Air Marshal Rob Chipman in July.
Having spent just under a quarter of his time in the office in Canberra during his first 100 days in Air Force’s top job, Air Marshal Chappell has spent the majority of his tenure on the road travelling the country with Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Ralph Clifton, visiting all Air Forces bases and as many Defence establishments as possible.
This has given him valuable insights into today’s Air Force and enabled him to build situational awareness as the incoming Chief of Air Force.
“Having spent several years out of Air Force working in the joint space, it was vital that I became familiar again with our Air Force,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“I’m of the view that you cannot lead or command, or at least do it well, without that situational awareness.
During their base visits, he and Warrant Officer Clifton listened and spoke to members to understand what opportunities and challenges exist. Air Marshal Chappell said they did this so they can help.
“At the end of the day, we are here to serve and support our aviators. It goes to the core of being a servant leader.
“I continue to serve in the RAAF after more than 30 years because I find it so fulfilling and inspiring – it is a privilege to be part of a team where there is a real calling to serve inside all of us,” he said.
Air Marshal Chappell is now in the process of releasing his Chief of Air Force Intent. He believes that travelling around the country since July has helped him shape that vision.
“People, purpose and preparedness are my focus areas,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“In my conversations around the country, I have talked about those three areas and I have had very robust and incredibly productive discussions with our aviators.
“We have a real opportunity to learn how to better look after each other from the work and findings of the recently completed Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. We also have a responsibility to continue to prepare ourselves, and each other, for the challenges we face – and may face – in our strategic circumstances.
“These two things, learning and preparing, go hand in hand.”
'It's a very exciting and important time for our Air Force and I am privileged to be leading it with the support of an incredible team of aviators.'
He added that there is more work to do to link aviators with APS and industry staff working in air domain to achieve the common purpose of generating and delivering air power.
“We need to reach out as leaders at every level to connect everyone to that purpose and mission because everyone plays an important role,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“Generating and delivering air power is a massive team effort. If we can connect all aviators and our APS and industry teammates to that purpose, and help them understand how it is every day they contribute to the generation and delivery of air power, then we will make Air Force a fulfilling place to work for everyone.
“This will enhance our high-performing team environment, increasing our preparedness to meet the challenges now and the future.”
Air Marshal Chappell is also convinced Air Force is ideally placed to deliver on the National Defence Strategy (NDS).
“In my international meetings since becoming Chief of Air Force, I have had reaffirmed to me that we are the envy of most air forces in the world. We are incredibly well placed at this point in history to generate and deliver air power for our national strategy,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
He acknowledged his good fortune in taking command of Air Force this year and to be given a four-year term.
“Those four years until 2028 are going to be especially important years in our history,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“We have the opportunity and responsibility to build on the momentum of the NDS and the work already done over the decades by our aviators and leaders. We are well positioned as a very potent and impressive air force – one that, if called upon in the future, can deliver combat power with a high degree of lethality and survivability as a key part of the integrated, focused force.
“It's a very exciting and important time for our Air Force and I am privileged to be leading it with the support of an incredible team of aviators.”
Air Marshal Chappell recently sat down with the team at the Hangar 46 podcast to share his thoughts on his first 100 days as Chief of Air Force. Listen to the full podcast at Hangar 46.
