Angus Houston
Encyclopedia
Air Chief Marshal
Allan Grant "Angus" Houston AC, AFC
(born 9 June 1947) is a retired senior commander of the Royal Australian Air Force
and was the Chief of the Defence Force
(CDF) from 4 July 2005 until his retirement on 3 July 2011. At the time of his appointment as CDF he was Chief of Air Force (CAF), a position he had held since 20 June 2001.
, Scotland
and educated at Strathallan School
in Forgandenny
, Perthshire
. He emigrated to Australia in 1968.
helicopter
s in various parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea
and Indonesia
.
After graduation from Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Houston completed several instructional tours on Macchi MB-326H
, British Aircraft Corporation
Strikemaster and Iroquois aircraft. A posting to the Republic of Singapore Air Force
(RSAF) from 1976–1978 was followed by two years at No. 9 Squadron
at RAAF Base Amberley
. In late 1979, Houston was posted to Hill Air Force Base
, Utah
U.S.A. for exchange flying duties with a United States Air Force
helicopter unit.
In 1980 he was awarded the Air Force Cross
(AFC) for an open sea rescue in gale force winds off the coast of New South Wales
in 1979.Citation: 9 Sqn RAAF – Helicopter rescue off Evans Head – For devotion to duty as a pilot of No9 Sqn RAAF
After a further posting to No. 9 Squadron as the Executive Officer, and staff training at RAAF Staff College, Houston was posted to the Department of Air (Development Division) where he was involved in the Black Hawk helicopter Project. In 1987, Houston assumed command of No. 9 Squadron to introduce the Black Hawk helicopter, to relocate the unit from Amberley to Townsville, Queensland
, and to transfer the capability to the Australian Army
. In 1989 he served one year as a Squadron Commander with the 5th Aviation Regiment. Houston was admitted as a Member of the military division of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1990 for his work in the transfer of responsibility for Blackhawk operations.Citation: For service to the RAAF as CO No9 Sqn and subsequently Officer Commanding 5th Aviation Regiment
Following graduation from Joint Services Staff College
, Houston was posted to the Joint Operations staff at Headquarters Australian Defence Force
and was involved in strategic planning during the Persian Gulf War
of 1990–1991.
On promotion to Group Captain
in July 1992, he assumed the post of Director Air Force Policy and negotiated the establishment of the RSAF
Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce
. After completing a C-130H Hercules conversion in 1993, Houston commanded No. 86 Wing
from 1994–1995.
Houston attended the Royal College of Defence Studies
in London
in 1996. He was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre (HQAST) in 1997–1999, Commander Integrated Air Defence System from 1999–2000 and Head Strategic Command from 17 August 2000.
. At a Senate
inquiry in February 2002, Houston challenged the then government's claim made during the 2001 election campaign, that sea-faring asylum seekers had thrown children overboard in a presumed ploy to secure rescue and passage to Australia.
and appointed Chief of the Defence Force
(CDF). In the Australia Day Honours of 26 January 2008, he was advanced to a Companion of the Order of Australia.Citation: For eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. On 19 March 2008, it was announced that Houston's appointment had been extended to 3 July 2011.
On 26 July 2010, Houston announced he would be taking medical leave to deal with prostate issues.
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Air Chief Marshal (Australia)
Air chief marshal is the highest active rank of the Royal Australian Air Force and was created as a direct equivalent of the British Royal Air Force rank of air chief marshal. It is also considered a four-star rank...
Allan Grant "Angus" Houston AC, AFC
Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)
The Air Force Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of the other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy"...
(born 9 June 1947) is a retired senior commander of the Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
and was the Chief of the Defence Force
Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
Chief of the Defence Force is the most senior appointment in the Australian Defence Force . The CDF commands the ADF under the direction of the Minister of Defence, in a coequal arrangement with the Secretary of Defence, the most senior public servant in the Department of Defence.The position is a...
(CDF) from 4 July 2005 until his retirement on 3 July 2011. At the time of his appointment as CDF he was Chief of Air Force (CAF), a position he had held since 20 June 2001.
Early life
Houston was born on 9 June 1947 in AyrshireAyrshire
Ayrshire is a registration county, and former administrative county in south-west Scotland, United Kingdom, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Its principal towns include Ayr, Kilmarnock and Irvine. The town of Troon on the coast has hosted the British Open Golf Championship twice in the...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and educated at Strathallan School
Strathallan School
Strathallan School is an independent boarding and day school in Scotland for boys and girls aged 9–18. The school has a campus at Forgandenny, a few miles south of Perth. It typically takes 50 minutes to travel to the school from Edinburgh and 1:15 hours from Glasgow.The school has 99 full time...
in Forgandenny
Forgandenny
Forgandenny is a small village in Perth and Kinross, located four miles south of Perth, Scotland, UK. Perth is a 20 minute bus ride from Forgandenny, and there is a regular Stagecoach service. Forgandenny is 45 minutes from Edinburgh and one hour from Glasgow...
, Perthshire
Perthshire
Perthshire, officially the County of Perth , is a registration county in central Scotland. It extends from Strathmore in the east, to the Pass of Drumochter in the north, Rannoch Moor and Ben Lui in the west, and Aberfoyle in the south...
. He emigrated to Australia in 1968.
Early career
Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot in 1970 and spent the early part of his career flying UH-1 IroquoisUH-1 Iroquois
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...
helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
s in various parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
and Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
.
After graduation from Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Houston completed several instructional tours on Macchi MB-326H
Aermacchi MB-326
The Aermacchi or Macchi MB-326 is a light military jet aircraft designed in Italy. Originally conceived as a two-seat trainer, there have also been single and two-seat light attack versions produced. It is one of the most commercially successful aircraft of its type, being bought by more than 10...
, British Aircraft Corporation
British Aircraft Corporation
The British Aircraft Corporation was a British aircraft manufacturer formed from the government-pressured merger of English Electric Aviation Ltd., Vickers-Armstrongs , the Bristol Aeroplane Company and Hunting Aircraft in 1960. Bristol, English Electric and Vickers became "parents" of BAC with...
Strikemaster and Iroquois aircraft. A posting to the Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
(RSAF) from 1976–1978 was followed by two years at No. 9 Squadron
No. 9 Squadron RAAF
No. 9 Squadron was a unit of the Royal Australian Air Force. The Squadron saw active service in World War II and the Vietnam War before being disbanded in 1989.-Fleet co-operation:...
at RAAF Base Amberley
RAAF Base Amberley
RAAF Base Amberley is a Royal Australian Air Force base located southwest of Ipswich, Queensland and southwest of Brisbane. It is currently home to No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron , No. 33 Squadron and No. 36 Squadron...
. In late 1979, Houston was posted to Hill Air Force Base
Hill Air Force Base
Hill Air Force Base is a major U.S. Air Force Base located in northern Utah, just south of the city of Ogden, and near the towns of Clearfield, Riverdale, Roy, Sunset, and Layton. It is about north of Salt Lake City. The base was named in honor of Major Ployer Peter Hill of the U.S. Army Air...
, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
U.S.A. for exchange flying duties with a United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
helicopter unit.
In 1980 he was awarded the Air Force Cross
Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)
The Air Force Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of the other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy"...
(AFC) for an open sea rescue in gale force winds off the coast of New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
in 1979.Citation: 9 Sqn RAAF – Helicopter rescue off Evans Head – For devotion to duty as a pilot of No9 Sqn RAAF
After a further posting to No. 9 Squadron as the Executive Officer, and staff training at RAAF Staff College, Houston was posted to the Department of Air (Development Division) where he was involved in the Black Hawk helicopter Project. In 1987, Houston assumed command of No. 9 Squadron to introduce the Black Hawk helicopter, to relocate the unit from Amberley to Townsville, Queensland
Townsville, Queensland
Townsville is a city on the north-eastern coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. Adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, it is in the dry tropics region of Queensland. Townsville is Australia's largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast, with a 2006 census...
, and to transfer the capability to the Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
. In 1989 he served one year as a Squadron Commander with the 5th Aviation Regiment. Houston was admitted as a Member of the military division of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1990 for his work in the transfer of responsibility for Blackhawk operations.Citation: For service to the RAAF as CO No9 Sqn and subsequently Officer Commanding 5th Aviation Regiment
Following graduation from Joint Services Staff College
Joint Services Staff College
Joint Services Staff College may refer to:* Joint Services Staff College , the former name of the "Joint Service Defence College"* Joint Services Staff College , the former name of the "Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies"...
, Houston was posted to the Joint Operations staff at Headquarters Australian Defence Force
Australian Defence Force
The Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units...
and was involved in strategic planning during the Persian Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
of 1990–1991.
On promotion to Group Captain
Group Captain
Group captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore...
in July 1992, he assumed the post of Director Air Force Policy and negotiated the establishment of the RSAF
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce
RAAF Base Pearce
RAAF Base Pearce is the main RAAF base in Western Australia. The base is located in Bullsbrook, north of Perth. It is used for training by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force...
. After completing a C-130H Hercules conversion in 1993, Houston commanded No. 86 Wing
No. 86 Wing RAAF
No. 86 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force transport wing. Coming under the aegis of Air Lift Group, it is headquartered at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales. The wing comprises No. 36 Squadron, operating Boeing C-17 Globemasters, and No. 38 Squadron, flying Beechcraft Super King Airs...
from 1994–1995.
Houston attended the Royal College of Defence Studies
Royal College of Defence Studies
The Royal College of Defence Studies is an internationally-renowned institution and component of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
in 1996. He was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre (HQAST) in 1997–1999, Commander Integrated Air Defence System from 1999–2000 and Head Strategic Command from 17 August 2000.
Chief of Air Force
Houston was appointed as Chief of Air Force (CAF) on 20 June 2001 and, in the 2003 Australia Day Honours, advanced to Officer of the military division of the Order of Australia (AO).Citation: For distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Air Force in senior command appointments. As acting Chief of the Defence Force in 2001, Houston played a central role in the Children Overboard AffairChildren overboard affair
The Children Overboard affair was an Australian political controversy involving public allegations by Howard government ministers in October 2001, in the lead-up to a federal election, that sea-faring asylum seekers had thrown children overboard in a presumed ploy to secure rescue and passage to...
. At a Senate
Australian Senate
The Senate is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Australia, the lower house being the House of Representatives. Senators are popularly elected under a system of proportional representation. Senators are elected for a term that is usually six years; after a double dissolution, however,...
inquiry in February 2002, Houston challenged the then government's claim made during the 2001 election campaign, that sea-faring asylum seekers had thrown children overboard in a presumed ploy to secure rescue and passage to Australia.
Chief of the Defence Force
On 4 July 2005, Houston was promoted to Air Chief MarshalAir Chief Marshal (Australia)
Air chief marshal is the highest active rank of the Royal Australian Air Force and was created as a direct equivalent of the British Royal Air Force rank of air chief marshal. It is also considered a four-star rank...
and appointed Chief of the Defence Force
Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)
Chief of the Defence Force is the most senior appointment in the Australian Defence Force . The CDF commands the ADF under the direction of the Minister of Defence, in a coequal arrangement with the Secretary of Defence, the most senior public servant in the Department of Defence.The position is a...
(CDF). In the Australia Day Honours of 26 January 2008, he was advanced to a Companion of the Order of Australia.Citation: For eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. On 19 March 2008, it was announced that Houston's appointment had been extended to 3 July 2011.
Personal life
Houston and his wife Liz, who is a teacher, have three sons.On 26 July 2010, Houston announced he would be taking medical leave to deal with prostate issues.
Honours and awards
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Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) | (Military division) 2008 |
| Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) | (Military division) 2003 | |
| Member of the Order of Australia (AM) | (Military division) 1990 | |
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Air Force Cross Air Force Cross (United Kingdom) The Air Force Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of the other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy"... (AFC) |
1980 |
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Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 The Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 recognises service in peacekeeping or non-warlike operations in the 30-year period following World War II, and prior to February 1975. The medal was established on 22 February 1995... |
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Centenary Medal Centenary Medal The Centenary Medal is an award created by the Australian Government in 2001. It was established to commemorate the Centenary of Federation of Australia and to honour people who have made a contribution to Australian society or government... |
2001Citation: For outstanding service as Chief of Air Force |
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Defence Force Service Medal Defence Force Service Medal The Defence Force Service Medal is an Australian Military award given for long service by permanent members of the Australian Defence Force... with Federation Star |
40–44 years of service |
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Australian Defence Medal Australian Defence Medal The Australian Defence Medal is an Australian military decoration which recognises current and former Australian Defence Force personnel who completed an initial enlistment period, or four years service... |
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Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) The Pingat Jasa Gemilang , is awarded to members of the Singapore Armed Forces for exceptionally distinguished performance or extraordinary service, or the furtherance of links with overseas forces.... (Singapore) |
(Meritorious Service Medal – Military) 1 August 2003 |
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Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera (Malaysia) | (Order of Military Service, Knight Grand Commander) |
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Légion d'honneur (France) | (Commander of the Legion of Honour) |
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Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) The Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang is awarded to members of the Singapore Armed Forces for exceptionally distinguished service or merit in senior command or staff positions.... (Singapore) |
(Distinguished Service Order – Military) 24 August 2007 |
| Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste | 2 February 2011 | |
| Commander of the Order of Orange-Nassau Order of Orange-Nassau The Order of Orange-Nassau is a military and civil order of the Netherlands which was created on 4 April 1892 by the Queen regent Emma of the Netherlands, acting on behalf of her under-age daughter Queen Wilhelmina. The Order is a chivalry order open to "everyone who have earned special merits for... (Netherlands) |
(Military division - "with crossed swords") 18 May 2011 |
External links
- ADF Leaders page entry
- Australian Department of Defence. Biography – Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Allan (Angus) Grant Houston AC, AFC
- ABC News. Airman to succeed Cosgrove as Defence chief
Copyright photos
- Official photo (copyright)
- ACM Houston in evening dress at a Defence Reserves charity function. (source)
- Chief of Air Force AM Houston, Operation Sumatra Assist, Indonesia, 2005.
- Chief of Air Force, ANZAC Day 2005.
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