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Defence has announced a leadership change at the ADF’s global command and control headquarters.
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Royal Australian Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Michael Kitcher has been named as the new Deputy Chief Joint Operations (DCJOPS) at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC).
AVM Kitcher will be responsible for assisting Chief Joint Operations (CJOPS) with the command of ADF joint operations, directing command units and assigned forces in the planning and conduct of campaigns, operations, joint exercises and other activities.
The new appointee joins HQJOC after completing a US exchange posting with Central Command.
AVM Kitcher replaces DCJOPS Rear Admiral Jaimie Hatcher, who has retired from full-time service after over 35 years.
Reflecting on his tenure, RADM Hatcher thanked personnel for their service.
“To the staff at JOC – all of you – sailors, soldiers, aviators, public servants and our contractors, what a fantastic team,” RADM Hatcher said.
“The past two years has not just been busy – it has been constant – day, night, weekday, weekend, global, regional and especially domestic. I am inspired by you all; your commitment, your professionalism, your humanity and stamina.”
Over the course of his career, the veteran served on give separate deployments, including on Operation Damask I for the liberation of Kuwait, Gulf War I in 1990-91, as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Toowoomba in 2006-2007 and as Commander Joint Task Force 633 in 2018.
RADM Hatcher officially stepped down at a change-of-command ceremony, attended by his wife and children.
“It is wonderful for me that they are here, among you, to share this occasion. For they, too, have made sacrifices, like all of our families, enabling our ADF to plan for and conduct operations here and overseas," RADM Hatcher said.
“Where I have ended up today surprises me, from the freckly, skinny, red-haired and awkward 17-year-old who joined in 1986.
“The chairman of the Officer Selection Board, Captain Graham Sloper, asked me only one question – would I be willing to serve my country in war with all the potential risks to my life that entails? I replied it would be foolish of me to attend this board and not to have contemplated that possibility.”
[Related: New JAG and Deputy JAG appointed for ADF]
