Air Marshal Leslie Bruce "Les" Fisher AO was born on 16 June 1941 and is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Air Force, serving as its Chief from November 1994 until May 1998.
13 Facts About Les Fisher
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From 1982 until 1986 Les Fisher served as the Director Joint Planning at the Australian Defence Force Headquarters before being appointed Commander Tactical Transport Group in 1987.
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Les Fisher flew the first Orion P-3 from America to Australia.
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In recognition of service to the RAAF as Officer Commanding RAAF Base Townsville, Les Fisher was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 1988.
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Les Fisher returned to RAAF Base Edinburgh in 1987 as Commander Maritime Patrol Group, and then served as the Commandant Australian Defence Force Warfare Centre between 1990 and 1991.
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Les Fisher was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 1993 Queens Birthday Honours List, in recognition of service to the RAAF and the ADF.
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Les Fisher headed the RAAF from 1994 to 1998, served as the last CAS and the first Chief of Air Force, the change of name occurring in February 1997.
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Les Fisher instituted a policy requiring staff to meet minimum physical fitness standards to remain in the service, for the first time in Air Force history.
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Les Fisher held the position during a period of significant restructuring until his retirement in 1998.
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Les Fisher was awarded the United States Legion of Merit during his time commanding the RAAF.
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Les Fisher served as the Acting chairman Airservices Australia from 2004, remaining on as Deputy chairman until 2009.
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Les Fisher now consults to the aviation industry and government and has been the Chairman of Aerospace Australia since 2002.
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Les Fisher is a member of the CAE Australia Advisory Board; a board member of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Foundation and the Defence SA Advisory Board in South Australia.