Super Hornet commander flies higher

Group Captain Steve Roberton, soon to be Air Commodore rank, has been at the forefront of introduction of the F/A-18F Super Hornet into the Air Force - and he is now moving on to more challenges within Defence.

Looking back at his two-year tenure, Group Captain Roberton said he was very pleased to have been at the helm during a period of significant change for the Australian Air Force.

“Some highlights for me included leading 82 Wing in the changeover from F-111 operations to ‘Rhino’ (Super Hornet ) operations at 1 and 6 Squadrons, the introduction of the Heron UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), and the reformation of No 4 Squadron (responsible for Forward Air Controller training at RAAF Williamton),” he said.

“A personal highlight was flying in the last of 24 Rhinos in 20-ship formation in October this year.”

Aside from the farewell for the F-111s, developing the Wing’s new capabilities was particularly significant.

“Seeing Heron UAV Operations and 5 Flight mature for Afghanistan support and F/A-18F operators mature and taking on Classic Hornets and Australia’s regional partners in Exercise Bersama this year in Malaysia were also highlights,” he said.

AIRCDRE Roberton leaves for the UK in January where he will attend Higher Command and Staff College for four months before returning to take on the role as Director General of Aerospace Development in the Capability Development Group, Canberra.