Lieutenant General Susan Coyle was named as the new Chief of Army on Monday.
She takes over from Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO, who had served in the role since 2022.
In a major shake-up,Chief of navy Mark Hammond AO will take over as Chief of Defence from Admiral David Johnston, whose two-year term ends in July.
Rear-Admiral Matthew Buckley will also be appointed as Chief of navy.
Addressing the media, Vice-Admiral Hammond – who will be made Admiral upon his promotion – said the “responsibilities of the position are not lost on me”.
“This is probably the most humbling moment in my in my career,” he said.
“I certainly look forward to serving with, and for Australia’s sailors, soldiers, and aviators as their Chief of Defense through the challenging times ahead.” He defended the Navy’s capabilities in the face of Iran’s drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Today, that navy is as ready as it ever has been,” he said.
Vice-Admiral Hammond said Australian ships in the Red Sea were fitted out “the most advanced radars in the world”, and advanced missile and defence systems.
On Donald Trump’s blockade of the Strait, Vice-Admiral Johnson said “the quality of contribution is one for consideration by the Australian government should they receive a request, and there’s been no such request as yet”.
‘Deeply significant’ Defence Richard Marles is expected to announce....
