Angus Houston
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Air Chief Marshal Allan (Angus) Grant Houston, AO, AFC, RAAF, is the Australian Chief of the Defence Force as of 4 July 2005. At the time of his appointment he was Australia's Chief of Air Force (RAAF), a position he had held since 20 June 2001.
[edit] Service Career
Air Chief Marshal Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot in 1970 and spent the early part of his career flying UH-1 Iroquois helicopters in various parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
After graduation from Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Houston completed several instructional tours on Macchi MB-326H, British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster and Iroquois aircraft. A posting to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) from 1976-1978 was followed by two years at No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. In late 1979, Houston was posted to Hill Air Force Base, Utah U.S.A. for exchange flying duties with a United States Air Force helicopter unit.
In 1980 he was awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) for an open sea rescue in gale force winds the previous year off the coast of Western Australia.
After a further posting to No. 9 Squadron as the Executive Officer, and staff training at RAAF Staff College, Houston was posted to the Department of Air (Development Division) where he was involved in the Black Hawk helicopter Project. In 1987, Houston assumed command of No. 9 Squadron to introduce the Black Hawk helicopter, to relocate the unit from Amberley to Townsville, Queensland, and to transfer the capability to the Australian Army. In 1989 he served one year as a Squadron Commander with the 5th Aviation Regiment. Houston was admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1990 for his work in the transfer of responsibility for Blackhawk operations.
Following graduation from Joint Services Staff College, Houston was posted to the Joint Operations staff at Headquarters Australian Defence Force and was involved in strategic planning during the Persian Gulf War of 1990/91.
On promotion to Group Captain in July 1992, he assumed the post of Director Air Force Policy and negotiated the establishment of the RSAF Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce. After completing a C-130H Hercules conversion in 1993, Houston commanded No. 86 Wing from 1994-95.
Houston attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London in 1996. He was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre in 1997-99, Commander Integrated Air Defence System from 1999-2000 and Head Strategic Command from 17 August 2000.
Air Marshal Houston was appointed as Chief of Air Force (CAF) on 20 June 2001, and in the 2003 Australia Day Honours, promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).
On 4 July 2005 he became Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) and was promoted to Air Chief Marshal.
[edit] Personal
Air Marshal Houston is married to Liz who is a teacher, and they have three sons.
[edit] References
- Australian Department of Defence. Biography - Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Allan (Angus) Grant Houston, AO, AFC
- ABC News. Airman to succeed Cosgrove as Defence chief
| Military Offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Air Marshal Errol McCormack AO |
Chief of Air Force 2001-2005 |
Succeeded by Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, AM |
| Preceded by General Peter Cosgrove AC MC |
Chief of Defence Force 2005- |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
