Recognition

News about the achievements and recognition of Royal Australian Air Force personnel.

Inspiring curiosity and creativity

An aviator inspires his children with his role in RAAF and says the little moments matter most this Father's Day.

By FLGOFF Abi Lahon 6 Sep 26 1 min read

A military man with his partner and two children, one girl and one boy.

Commendations

August 2026

17 Aug 26 1 min read

Six aircraft fly in the air leaving behind white smoke trails.

180 years of combined service

Exercise Pitch Black

Four military personnel receive a Federation Star from the Chief of Air Force during Exercise Pitch Black.

By FLTLT Aarron Dann 6 Aug 26 5 min read

Five military members, four with awards.

Aviators recognised for 40 years of service

Nine aviators who commenced their Air Force journeys together receive Federation Stars for their exemplary service.

By FLGOFF Megan Scherini 3 Aug 26 3 min read

Two men in Air Force uniform stand holding awards and smiling at the camera.

Commendations

July 2026

16 Jul 26 1 min read

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) opened its doors to prospective students, families and the local community on Saturday, 15 August 2026 for its annual Open Day. The event supported Australian Defence Force recruitment and community engagement by providing information on life and study at ADFA for prospective Navy, Army and Air Force officers. Visitors also experienced military skills demonstrations, interactive displays, RAAF flypasts and Defence capability showcases across the maritime, land,

‘Paying it back’ an honour

WGCDR Mark Jobson receives a Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2026 King's Birthday honours.

By CAPT Jordan Grantham 25 Jun 26 2 min read

A military member works at his desk.

Aviator doubles up on awards

WGCDR Susan Yates marks 40 years of service and receives a King's Birthday honour in the same week.

By FLTLT Claire Burnet 25 Jun 26 3 min read

A woman in military uniform stands outside.

Performing above orderly duties

CSG Aviator of the Year 2025 receives prestigious title, trophy and a bronze commendation.

By FLTLT Kat Thomasson 11 Jun 26 3 min read

A man in Air Force uniform accepts a trophy from a man in Army uniform.

Turning the Triton from unknown to operational

Enabled Australian pilots to qualify rapidly as aircraft captains on the MQ-4C Triton.

By WO2 Max Bree and CPL Chris Tsakisiris 11 Jun 26 3 min read

With more than seven years’ experience in Navy helicopters and about 23 years flying RAAF maritime patrol aircraft, it has been relatively straightforward for FLTLT Nicholas Chapman to transfer skills from one aircraft type to another.But that all changed when he became a pilot training and standards officer for the newly acquired MQ-4C Triton.

Award for keeping the fleet in flight

SQNLDR Emily Hartley receives a King’s Birthday honour for improving Australia’s C-17A fleet sustainment.

By CAPT Helena Gjone 11 Jun 26 4 min read

A woman in Air Force uniform sitting down smiling at the camera.

New pathway attracts award

An armament technician is awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in this year’s King’s Birthday honours.

By CPL Michael Rogers 11 Jun 26 3 min read

A man in Air Force uniform posing for a portrait.

Commendations

May 2026

28 May 26 1 min read

An aircraft flies in a setting sky.