As Wing Commander Charles Freebairn hands over command of Air Mobility Group's (AMG) 37 Squadron to Wing Commander Dianne Bell - 37 Squadron's first female Commanding Officer (CO) - he reflects on his two-year tenure.
"A unit command is one of the few times where you have direct tactical influence over a large group of people, and for 37 Squadron, this also comes with maintaining an important air mobility capability," Wing Commander Freebairn said.
"I feel fortunate that I have had a great executive team who have always kept us on track."
Commander AMG Air Commodore Bradley Clarke gathered with RAAF Base Richmond personnel on January 13 to mark the occasion, and reiterated the importance of a command posting.
"The role that a CO plays is pivotal to the success of not only the squadron, but the Air Force, and Wing Commander Freebairn's leadership has been invaluable," Air Commodore Clarke said.
"37 Squadron is a consistently active squadron, contributing to increasingly vital airlift capability in support of Defence operations, both nationally and in partnership with allies worldwide."
During Wing Commander Freebairn's two-year command, 37 Squadron has been responsive to numerous local events including flood and bushfire assistance, but also global needs.
"During my time as CO, some of the operational highlights have been evacuating Australian citizens from Sudan and from New Caledonia, and being prepared to evacuate them from the Middle East," Wing Commander Freebairn said.
'I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the 37 Squadron aviators, working as a team to continue to do the great work they already do.'
Significant milestones during the past two years have included 37 Squadron's 80th anniversary; 65 years of C-130 Hercules operations; and 25 years of C-130J operations at RAAF Base Richmond.
"It's amazing how much there is to learn. In my time as CO, I continuously discovered information about how we do business, and how we can improve," Wing Commander Freebairn said.
"Even as I write this on my last day I have learnt a few new things. So, my words of advice to aviators would be to keep learning and keep being nice to each other.
"Thanks to everyone at 37 Squadron for all their work. 37 Squadron is a busy unit, but members do their job successfully every single day."
Incoming CO Wing Commander Bell has a long history with 37 Squadron.
"I am excited to be back working with members of the C-130 community, a community I have been part of for a large portion of my career," Wing Commander Bell said.
"I look forward to leading the team and giving back to a unit that has been key in my development as an aviator.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the 37 Squadron aviators, working as a team to continue to do the great work they already do."
