Mel Hupfeld
| Melvin Ernest Glanville Hupfeld | |
|---|---|
|
Hupfeld at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in 2013 | |
| Born |
7 March 1962 Sydney, New South Wales |
| Allegiance |
 Australia |
| Service/branch |
 Royal Australian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1980 – present |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Commands held |
Air Commander Australia Air Combat Group RAAF No. 81 Wing RAAF No. 75 Squadron RAAF |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards |
Officer of the Order of Australia Distinguished Service Cross Bronze Star (United States) |
Air Vice Marshal Melvin Ernest Glanville "Mel" Hupfeld AO, DSC (born 7 March 1962) is a senior officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), currently in the post of Head Capability Systems. He previously served as Air Commander Australia from 2012 to 2014.
Early life and career
Hupfeld was born in Sydney, New South Wales, on 7 March 1962, and joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an Officer Cadet in 1980.[1] He finished his training in 1983, won the 'Flying Prize' and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. He completed a Master of Arts degree in Defence Studies at King's College London in 1997.
During Hupfeld's career he has flown the Dassault Mirage III and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet flying mainly with No. 3 Squadron RAAF.
Hupfeld was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 27 November 2003 for his command of No. 75 Squadron RAAF during Operation Falconer, and the squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation.
Hupfeld has commanded several RAAF units during his career, including No. 75 Squadron RAAF, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF, No. 81 Wing RAAF, and Air Combat Group RAAF. Hupfeld was promoted to air vice marshal and appointed as Air Commander Australia on 3 February 2012. He moved to the Capability Development Group, as Head Capability Systems, in September 2014.[2]
Personal life
Hupfeld is married to Louise. His interests include cycling, running, fishing, light aircraft, hang-gliding and sailing.
Honours and awards
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| | Officer of the Order of Australia | 2015 Australia Day Honours |
| | Distinguished Service Cross | 27 November 2003[3] |
| | Australian Active Service Medal | with 2 Clasps |
| | Iraq Medal | |
| | Australian Service Medal | with 1 Clasp |
| | Defence Force Service Medal with 4 clasps | 35–39 years service |
| | Australian Defence Medal | |
| | Bronze Star | (United States) |
| | Meritorious Unit Citation with Federation Star | Awarded to No. 75 Squadron RAAF for Operation FALCONER. |
References
- ↑ "Air Vice-Marshals (A-K)". Air Marshals of the RAAF. RAAF Air Power Development Centre. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
- ↑ "New RAAF Air Commander". Australian Aviation. 15 September 2014. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
- ↑ Its an Honour Distinguished Service Cross retrieved 6 June 2012
External links
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Major General John Caligari |
Head Capability Systems 2014 – |
Incumbent |
| Preceded by Air Vice Marshal Mark Skidmore |
Air Commander Australia 2012–2014 |
Succeeded by Air Vice Marshal Gavin Turnbull |