The F-111 was unique among the aircraft that the Royal Australian Air Force has operated throughout its history. Never before has one type had such a profound impact not only on the RAAF, but upon Australia’s strategic policy outlook. From the moment it was ordered, however, the F-111 would be shrouded in controversy. Cost blow-outs, delivery delays, technical problems and an undeserved poor reputation meant that the aircraft’s place in the frontline of Australia’s defence would be continually challenged.
Despite the barbs, the aircraft survived to fly in Australia for nearly 40 years — a clear testimony to the skill and dedication of the men and women who flew, maintained and supplied it.
The presentation will cover this illustrious history, concentrating on the highlights.
Air Commodore Mark Lax OAM, CSM
Air Commodore Mark Lax joined the Royal Australian Air Force Academy in January 1974 and graduated dux of his class. After navigator training, he had operational, flight test and instructional tours before completing a number of staff positions. He was fortunate to fly the F-111 from 1981 to 1988, mainly in a test flying role and after, was a member of the team who developed the F-111 Avionics Update Project. Later in his career, he was Base Commander of RAAF Base, East Sale in Victoria and RAAF Base Richmond in NSW.
In the following years, Air Commodore Lax held appointments at Glenbrook as Director in charge of plans and future development. He went on to hold a number of posts in Canberra developing higher level policy and defence strategy. These included Director General Policy and Plans, Director General Military Strategy, and in 2006 – Director General Strategic Policy in Strategy Division – responsible for strategic assessments, the strategic plans function and a wide range of high level strategy and long term planning documents. It was in this post that he developed Force 2020, the blueprint for the ADF’s future.
Air Commodore Lax retired from the RAAF in January 2007 and for two years was managing editor of the ADF Journal. In 2008, he was appointed to the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal where he acts as RAAF specialist advisor for reviews into veteran medal claims. As an active member of the RAAF Reserve, he continues to support numerous Defence activities in a mentoring and advisory role. Air Commodore Lax also facilitates planning and exercise activities for Customs and Border Protection Command and in 2010 co-facilitated a major bilateral exercise in the Pentagon.
Air Commodore Lax is a graduate of the RAAF Academy; RAAF School of Air Navigation; Royal Air Force College, Cranwell; RAAF Staff College; USAF Air War College; and Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He enjoys cricket, reading, writing and publishing on military aviation. He is also Vice-President of Canberra Legacy.