Defence Australia

When the ground shakes, discipline holds the line. 🗡️🔥🔷

Exercise Diamond Dagger brought 7th Brigade - Australian Army's teams together to practice combined arms warfighting effects.

Designed to prepare soldiers for the realities of combat, the live fire exercise placed soldiers under high levels of stress while operating in the noise, confusion and pressure of a simulated battlefield.

📸 CPL Jason Slape & CPL Janet Pan

As Commander-in-Chief, the Governor-General was honoured to attend the Chief of the Defence Force Change of Command Ceremony in Canberra, marking the handover of command from Admiral David Johnston AC RAN to Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN.

On a perfect winter morning, the ceremony at Field Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey Square recognised Admiral Johnston's distinguished leadership of Australia’s Defence Force. Admiral Johnston inspected the guard, which was supported by the Royal Military College Band.

At a ceremonial flag handover, Admiral Hammond was then welcomed as Australia's new Chief of the Defence Force.

This important occasion was attended by former Governor-General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd), former Chiefs of Defence and their guests, Defence personnel, veterans, members of the public service and many from the general community.

On behalf of all Australians, the Governor-General thanks Admiral Johnston for his forty years of devoted service, always supported by his wife Belinda Johnston and their family.

She also congratulates and welcomes Admiral Hammond as he commences his appointment as our newest Chief of Defence.