The annual Chief of the Defence Force Parade at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) took on added significance today.
Traditionally, the parade marks the Year One Cadets' successful completion of initial military training program - today the parade doubled as the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) farewell to the Governor-General, Her Excellency, The Honourable Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO.
Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, AC, DSC, told the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets on parade that they had sworn to serve as members of the ADF.
"Before Her Majesty's representative, the Governor General, you have reaffirmed that commitment and accepted your responsibility to uphold the highest values of the Australian Defence Force," General Hurley said.
General Hurley thanked Australia's Commander in Chief for her unwavering support for the nation's military personnel.
"This was most evident when the Governor-General met with our soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen, on operations in Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands and in the wake of natural disasters,” General Hurley said.
"On a personal note, I have always appreciated the sincere compassion Her Excellency has extended to our wounded personnel and the families of Australia's fallen."
Her Excellency, Ms Bryce, told the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets it was a great privilege to review the parade and share an important milestone in their careers.
"I never fail to have a sense of awe and admiration for what they represent. When I reflect on our ADF it is always with the highest regard for what they do and how they do it. I am impressed by their calmed assurance, the camaraderie, resilience and optimism, even in harsh and dangerous conditions," Ms Bryce said.
The military farewell not only saw the entire Academy on parade, but included a 100 person Royal Guard of Honour mounted by Australia’s Federation Guard and a tri-service flypast comprising F/A18 Super Hornets from the Royal Australian Air Force as well as Navy and Army helicopters.
Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20140456
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
