13 Facts About Mel Hupfeld

Mel Hupfeld served as Air Commander Australia from 2012 to 2014 and was the acting and final Chief Capability Development Group, before being appointed as Head Force Design in the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group.

Mel Hupfeld was promoted air marshal and made Chief of Joint Operations in May 2018, and succeeded Air Marshal Leo Davies as Chief of Air Force in July 2019.

Mel Hupfeld finished his training in 1983, won the 'Flying Prize' and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Mel Hupfeld completed a Master of Arts degree in Defence Studies at King's College London in 1997.

Mel Hupfeld was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 27 November 2003 for his command of No 75 Squadron RAAF during Operation Falconer, and the squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Mel Hupfeld has commanded several RAAF units during his career, including No 75 Squadron RAAF, No 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF, No 81 Wing RAAF, and Air Combat Group RAAF.

Mel Hupfeld was promoted to air vice marshal and appointed as Air Commander Australia on 3 February 2012.

Mel Hupfeld moved to the Capability Development Group, as Head Capability Systems, in September 2014, before being appointed the acting and final Chief Capability Development Group in 2015, and then Head Force Design in the Vice Chief of the Defence Force Group from 2016.

Mel Hupfeld was promoted air marshal and appointed Chief of Joint Operations on 24 May 2018.

Mel Hupfeld succeeded Air Marshal Leo Davies as Chief of Air Force on 3 July 2019.

Mel Hupfeld was appointed an Officer of the National Order of Merit by the French government on 15 February 2021.

Mel Hupfeld was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Star, First Class by Indonesia on 23 February 2022.

Mel Hupfeld is married to Louise and his interests include cycling, running, fishing, light aircraft, hang-gliding and sailing.