Australia's newly appointed Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, has paid a visit to Exercise Pitch Black, RAAF's most significant flying activity for strengthening international engagement.
From July 19 to 21, Ms Mostyn toured RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal, including an excursion to the RAAF Base Darwin open day and 92 Wing's facilities on the base.
The Governor-General said she was excited to not only be in the role, but to visit aviators on the exercise.
"It's the greatest privilege to represent Australians, getting to see the best of Australia, and the best of our Defence capability and those that serve our country. I've really enjoyed every bit of this," she said.
Prior to her appointment, Ms Mostyn held non-executive roles in business and government, and was involved in many advocacy organisations from climate change to gender equality.
The Australian Financial Review named her one of the most powerful women in the tech industry in 1998, and Australia's most influential company director in 2021. Her father also served in the Royal Australian Signal Corps, deploying to Vietnam.
"It's an important part of my life. I got to learn a lot about Defence housing and Defence families," she said when discussing her experience as the daughter of a serving member.
"There were a few funny things growing up. We were always doing 'recces' for everything, nothing was left to chance. We were always early for everything, and our shoes had to be polished and shiny. There's a lot learned there that are lessons for life."
Ms Mostyn concluded her visit to RAAF Base Darwin with a message to young aviators serving in the ADF.
"I'd say thank you to all those young aviators who have chosen to serve. What I have seen already is a career that is hugely rewarding," she said.
"Take the chance to try different aspects of your career, stick with it and know that it is an important job that is highly valued by the country, certainly valued by the Commander-in-Chief, and enjoy every bit of it."
