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The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) has celebrated 30 years since the graduation of its first class with the graduation of 217 midshipmen and officer cadets on Thursday.
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Family and friends of the graduates were joined at the ceremony by Assistant Minister for Defence David Fawcett, as well as alumni from the class of 1988, the first group to ever complete a full three years of training at ADFA.
“These men and women are making important contributions to Australia both within and outside the Australian Defence Force,” Senator Fawcett said.
“ADFA’s alumni include the first Australian female officer to deploy as a United Nations Military Observer to Lebanon and Israel, as well as engineers who have helped to strengthen major landmarks including the West Gate Bridge.”
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester praised ADFA's ability to produce "inspirational leaders who are innovative, ready to face challenges and solve problems."
“Rear Admiral Colin Lawrence is the Head Navy Engineering; Colonel Kath Stewart is Commandant of the Defence Command Support Training Centre; Group Captain Dennis Tan is Officer Commanding Air Training Wing and Mr Dechlan Ellis is global director client strategy Aurecon,” Minister Chester said.
“What the alumni and today’s graduates have in common is that they are all talented, results-oriented individuals who came to ADFA to develop skills and experience which will take them well beyond their ADF careers.”
About 1,000 Army and Air Force officer cadets and Navy midshipmen are currently enrolled in the three-year training program at ADFA.
