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In a significant demonstration of enhanced co-operation and interoperability between Australia and New Zealand, a senior officer of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has assumed the role of Deputy Air Commander Australia within the Royal Australian Air Force as of 13 January.
RNZAF Air Commodore Susie Barns has joined Australia’s Air Command under a bilateral memorandum of arrangement, establishing the Deputy Air Commander Australia (DACAUST) role as an ongoing opportunity for senior RNZAF officers.
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This historic appointment builds upon the growing partnership between the two nations’ air forces. In May 2024, RNZAF Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb and former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Robert Chipman signed a joint guidance statement aimed at bolstering co-operation and interoperability.
The agreement seeks to deepen mutual support and enhance regional security, stability and prosperity. Speaking on her appointment, Air Commodore Barns highlighted the potential of this initiative.
“What a great honour it is to take up the position of Deputy Air Commander for RAAF as part of this new joint agreement between our two great Air Forces,” Air Commodore Barns said.
“This is an exciting initiative that will boost our efforts to expand personnel, technical and procedural interoperability, while also enabling greater mutual support for both our countries. Ultimately, the increased opportunity this presents to achieve greater interchangeability of our aviators in the future is particularly beneficial.”
Air Commodore Barns brings over 30 years of extensive experience with the RNZAF, having joined in 1993. She has served across all branches of the RNZAF, holding prominent roles such as director of logistics, director of Air Force health and safety, and head of the Logistics Branch.
Her international experience includes her tenure as RNZAF logistics adviser in London, where she liaised with the UK military on procurement initiatives, multilateral agreements and representational duties across the UK and Europe.
Most recently, Air Commodore Barns completed the Defence and Strategic Studies Course at the Australian Defence College in Canberra, further cementing her strategic and leadership credentials.
“The ties between both our air forces are deep and rich, and I look forward to bringing my experience to the role of DACAUST while also using it as an incredible learning opportunity,” Air Commodore Barns said.
This milestone underscores the enduring partnership between Australia and New Zealand, exemplifying a shared commitment to advancing regional security through collaborative leadership and operational excellence.
