Outgoing Army Chief Lieutenant General Rick Burr has said goodbye to a tribute in Canberra after four years in the role.
Lieutenant General Burr was recognized for his leadership role during a change of command parade in the nation’s capital, before Lieutenant General Simon Stuart took over.
The outgoing chief said he was fortunate to have served in the defense after 40 years.
“My lasting memory will be of the incredible soldiers and officers of our army,” he said.
“Our people are our strength and deliver incredible results for our nation every day. I thank them for their service, courage, dedication and sacrifice.”
The parade of command shift included flyovers from MRH-90 Taipan and ARH Tiger helicopters.
Lieutenant General Stuart was announced Tuesday by the federal government as the new army chief.
He said he was ready to build on his predecessor’s legacy.
“General Burr’s commitment to developing our people and our individual and collective cultural and ethical fitness through good soldiers is a hallmark of his stewardship of our military,” he said.
Lieutenant General Stuart first enlisted in the Army as a signalman in 1987.
He has served in the 2nd/4th and 2nd Battalions and commanded operations in East Timor, Afghanistan, Egypt and Israel.
Lieutenant General Stuart will formally take command of the army from 3 July.
It comes as the term of office of the chief and deputy chief of the country’s defense force has been extended by two years.
General Angus Campbell and Vice Admiral David Johnston will remain in their respective positions until 2024.
