Angus Houston
{{Short description|Senior Royal Australian Air Force officer, former Chief of the Defence Force}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox military person
|name= Sir Angus Houston
|image = Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC.jpg
|alt=
|caption= Angus Houston at the 2010 Anzac Day National Ceremony, Canberra
|birth_date= {{birth date and age|1947|6|9|df=y}}
|death_date=
|birth_place= Ayrshire, Scotland
|death_place=
|placeofburial=
|nickname= Angus
|allegiance= Australia
|branch= Royal Australian Air Force
|serviceyears= 1970–2011
|rank= Air Chief Marshal
|unit=
|commands= Chief of the Defence Force (2005–11)
Chief of Air Force (2001–2005)
Integrated Air Defence System (1999–2000)
No. 86 Wing (1994–1995)
5th Aviation Regiment (1989–1990)
No. 9 Squadron (1987–1989)
|battles=
|awards= Knight of the Order of Australia
Air Force Cross
Complete list
|relations=
|laterwork= Chairman of the Council for the Order of Australia
Chairman of Airservices Australia
Chairman of the ANZAC Centenary Advisory Board
Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast
}}
File:Anzac Day Canberra 2008 Dignitaries.jpg Service at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra (left to right):Angus Houston, Murray Gleeson, Mrs. and Jon Stanhope, Mrs and Peter Cosgrove, Kevin Rudd.]]
Air Chief Marshal Sir Allan Grant "Angus" Houston, {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AK|AFC|size=100%|sep=,}}{{cite web |url= http://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/Order%20of%20Australia%20Booklet%202014.pdf |page= 40 |title= Designations and Insignia Ordinance, section 5 |date= 21 May 2009 |work= Order of Australia booklet |publisher= Governor General of Australia |access-date= 4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150203020820/http://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/Order%20of%20Australia%20Booklet%202014.pdf |archive-date= 3 February 2015 |url-status= dead }} (born 9 June 1947) is a retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Air Force. He served as Chief of Air Force from 20 June 2001 and then as the Chief of the Defence Force from 4 July 2005. He retired from the military on 3 July 2011.
Since then Houston has been appointed to a number of positions, including chairman of Airservices Australia. In March 2014 he was appointed to head the Joint Agency Coordination Centre during the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, and in the Australia Day Honours of 2015, he was knighted for this service.
Early life
Houston was born on 9 June 1947 in Ayrshire, Scotland and educated at Strathallan School in Forgandenny, Perthshire. He emigrated to Australia in 1968{{cite web |url=http://airpower.airforce.gov.au/Contents/About-APDC/About-APDC/Office-of-Air-Force-History/Air-Chief-Marshals/132/Air-Chief-Marshals.aspx |title=Air Chief Marshals |access-date=27 July 2010 |work=Air Marshals of the RAAF |publisher=Royal Australian Air Force Air Power Development Centre}} to work as a jackaroo on a sheep and wheat farm near the town of Mukinbudin in the North Eastern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.{{cite news|last1=Fidler|first1=Richard|title=The aerial view: how Angus Houston took to the skies|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations-angus-houston/8799924|access-date=10 October 2014|agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=18 August 2017}}
Service career
=Early career=
Houston joined the RAAF as a cadet pilot in 1970 and was soon given the nickname "Angus". On 20 March 1971, he was granted an eight-year short-service commission with the rank of pilot officer,{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241059897 |title=Royal Australian Air Force |newspaper=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette |issue=43 |date=22 April 1971 |access-date=11 January 2019 |page=2499 }} and was promoted to flying officer on 20 March 1973.{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241065158 |title=Royal Australian Air Force |newspaper=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette |issue=43 |date=12 April 1973 |access-date=11 January 2019 |page=47 }} He spent the early part of his career flying UH-1 Iroquois helicopters in various parts of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.{{cite news|last1=Dapin|first1=Mark|title=An Officer and a Gentleman|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac;jsessionid=36A724BB01B541D51DBEE159248B2BB3?sy=afr&pb=all_ffx&dt=selectRange&dr=1month&so=relevance&sf=text&sf=headline&rc=10&rm=200&sp=brs&cls=70&clsPage=1&docID=SMH1106113I4C96QG04I|access-date=2 February 2015|work=Good Weekend|agency=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=11 June 2011|page=12}} On 10 March 1975, he received a permanent commission,{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240779606 |title=Royal Australian Air Force |newspaper=Australian Government Gazette (National) |issue=G13 |date=8 April 1975 |access-date=11 January 2019 |page=112 }} with a promotion to flight lieutenant on 20 September.{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240559151 |title=Royal Australian Air Force |newspaper=Australian Government Gazette (National) |issue=G34 |date=2 September 1975 |access-date=11 January 2019 |page=13 }}
After graduation from Flying Instructors Course in 1975, Houston completed several instructional tours on Macchi MB-326H, British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster and Iroquois aircraft. A posting to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) from 1976 to 1978 was followed by two years at No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley. In late 1979, Houston was posted to Hill Air Force Base, Utah U.S.A. for exchange flying duties with a United States Air Force helicopter unit.{{cite web|last1=DeSilva-Ranasinghe |first1=Sergei |title=I See the Indian Ocean to be as Important as the Pacific |url=http://www.futuredirections.org.au/publications/fdi-feature-interviews/128-fdi-feature-interview-i-see-the-indian-ocean-to-be-as-important-as-the-pacific-air-chief-marshal-angus-houston.html |website=Future Directions International |access-date=2 February 2015 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328123027/http://futuredirections.org.au/publications/fdi-feature-interviews/128-fdi-feature-interview-i-see-the-indian-ocean-to-be-as-important-as-the-pacific-air-chief-marshal-angus-houston.html |archive-date=28 March 2015 }}
In 1980 he was awarded the Air Force Cross for an open sea rescue in gale-force winds off the coast of New South Wales in 1979.[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1083965 It's an Honour] – Air Force Cross – 14 June 1980
Citation: 9 Sqn RAAF – Helicopter rescue off Evans Head – For devotion to duty as a pilot of No9 Sqn RAAF He was promoted to squadron leader on 1 January 1982.{{cite news |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240774587 |title=Air Force Regulations |newspaper=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National) |issue=G34 |date=25 August 1981 |access-date=11 January 2019 |page=37 }}
After a further posting to No. 9 Squadron as the Executive Officer, and staff training at RAAF Staff College, Houston was posted to the Department of Air (Development Division) where he was involved in the Black Hawk helicopter Project. In 1987, Houston assumed command of No. 9 Squadron to introduce the Black Hawk helicopter, to relocate the unit from Amberley to Townsville, Queensland, and to transfer the capability to the Australian Army. In 1989 he served one year in command of the 5th Aviation Regiment. Houston was admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990 for his work in the transfer of responsibility for Blackhawk operations.[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/879614 It's an Honour] – Member of the Order of Australia – 26 January 1990
Citation: For service to the RAAF as CO No9 Sqn and subsequently Officer Commanding 5th Aviation Regiment
Following graduation from Joint Services Staff College, Houston was posted to the Joint Operations staff at Headquarters Australian Defence Force and was involved in strategic planning during the Persian Gulf War of 1990–1991.
On promotion to group captain in July 1992, he assumed the post of Director Air Force Policy and negotiated the establishment of the RSAF Flying School at RAAF Base Pearce. After completing a C-130H Hercules conversion in 1993, Houston commanded No. 86 Wing from 1994 to 1995.
Houston attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in London in 1996. He was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Australian Theatre from 1997 to 1999, Commander Integrated Air Defence System from 1999 to 2000 and Head Strategic Command from 17 August 2000.
=Senior command=
Houston was appointed as Chief of Air Force (CAF) on 20 June 2001 and, in the 2003 Australia Day Honours, advanced to Officer of the Order of Australia.{{cite web |url= https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1042145 |work= It's an Honour |title= Officer of the Order of Australia |date= 26 January 2003 |publisher= Australian Government }}
Citation: For distinguished service to the Australian Defence Force and the Royal Australian Air Force in senior command appointments. As acting Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) in 2001, Houston played a central role in the Children Overboard Affair. At a Senate inquiry in February 2002, Houston challenged the then government's claim made during the 2001 election campaign, that seafaring asylum seekers had thrown children overboard in a presumed ploy to secure rescue and passage to Australia.{{Cite news|last=Forbes |first=Mark |author2=Gordon, Michael |author3=Taylor, Kerry |title=Defence chief told Reith: no children overboard |newspaper=The Age |page=1 |date=20 February 2002 |url=http://150.theage.com.au/view_bestofarticle.asp?straction=update&inttype=1&intid=1056 |access-date=13 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905003043/http://150.theage.com.au/view_bestofarticle.asp?straction=update&inttype=1&intid=1056 |archive-date=5 September 2007 }}{{cite web |title = New defence chief dismisses 'children overboard' shadow |publisher = ABC News Online |date = 18 April 2005 |url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1347152.htm |access-date = 13 February 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060918063416/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1347152.htm |archive-date = 18 September 2006 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }}
On 4 July 2005, he was promoted to air chief marshal and appointed Chief of the Defence Force. In the Australia Day Honours of 26 January 2008, he was advanced to a Companion of the Order of Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/37A82594C117D9E1CA2573DB00497E37/$file/S%201.htm |work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette |title=Companion of the Order of Australia |date=28 January 2008 |publisher=Australian Government |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080811002436/http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/37A82594C117D9E1CA2573DB00497E37/%24file/S%201.htm |archive-date=11 August 2008 }}
Citation: For eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of the Defence Force. In March 2008, Houston's appointment was extended to 3 July 2011.{{cite web |url= http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2008/mar/20080319/index.htm |title=New Defence leadership team announced |date= 19 March 2008 |publisher=defence.gov.au |access-date=7 April 2014}}
Later life
After his retirement from the CDF position, the Australian Government appointed Houston as Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board on 6 July 2011, with the remit to "provide strategic advice and recommendations on the planning and implementation of Anzac Centenary events".{{cite web|url=http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/anzac_centenary/advisory_board.htm#chair |title=100 years of ANZAC – Anzac Centenary Program 2014–2018 – Advisory Board |publisher=Anzaccentenary.gov.au |access-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225102734/http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/anzac_centenary/advisory_board.htm |archive-date=25 February 2014 }} On 6 December 2011, it was announced that the Australian Government had appointed Houston as the next chairman of Airservices Australia on the grounds of his aviation, governance and leadership experience.{{cite news |url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-06/new-chairman-of-airservices-australia-named/3715968 |work=ABC News |title=Houston to chair Airservices Australia |publisher=Abc.net.au |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=6 April 2014}}
In June 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Houston would chair an expert group that would examine asylum seeker policy and prepare a report recommending a solution for the Government's consideration.ABC Radio Australia, [http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-06-28/houston-to-lead-asylum-policy-panel-after-senate-rejects-bill/968696 'Houston to lead asylum policy panel after Senate rejects bill] 29 June 2012
In February 2014, Houston was appointed chair of the Defence SA Advisory Board. The position was previously held by General Peter Cosgrove.{{Cite web|title = Houston replaces Cosgrove in defence advisory role|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-07/houston-steps-up-to-new-defence-advisory-role/5245798|website = ABC News|access-date = 1 June 2015}}
File:Angus Houston, JACC Perth2.JPG press conference in Perth, 14 April 2014]]
On 30 March 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced that Houston would head the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC), based in Perth, formed to oversee the efforts to find Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. At that time, the plane had been missing for just over three weeks since its disappearance on Saturday, 8 March.{{cite web |url= http://news.msn.com/world/jet-search-effort-ramped-up-no-evidence-found |title= Objects seen in jet search are fishing equipment |publisher= News.msn.com |date= 31 March 2014 |access-date= 6 April 2014 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |author= Milman, Oliver |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/30/flight-mh370-angus-houston-international-search-efforts |title= Flight MH370: former Australian defence chief to co-ordinate search |date= 30 March 2014 |work= The Guardian |access-date=7 April 2014}}
On 26 January 2015, Houston was appointed a Knight of the Order of Australia (AK) for his service to Australia and commitment to the MH17 and MH 370 disasters.{{cite web |title= Knight of the Order of Australia |work= Australia Day Honours 2015 |date= 26 January 2015 |access-date= 26 January 2015 |publisher= gg.gov.au |url= http://gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/ad/ad2015/1_%20O%20of%20A%20gazette.pdf |quote= For extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community. |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150128115252/http://gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/honours/ad/ad2015/1_%20O%20of%20A%20gazette.pdf |archive-date= 28 January 2015 |url-status= dead }} Saying he was "surprised and deeply humbled," he said he would prefer to be called by his name instead of "Sir Angus." "It's a great honour to be recognised in this way. But I'd like people to still call me Angus. That's probably the way I am," he said.{{cite news |author=AAP |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/just-call-me-angus-says-newest-knight/story-fnihsfrf-1227196682511?from=public_rss&nk=9206659d8ce6e6a61ee52a92bf121fca |title=Just call me Angus, says newest knight |publisher=The Courier & Mail|date=26 January 2015 |access-date=26 January 2015}} The ceremony in which he was officially knighted was held on 17 April 2015 at Government House, Canberra by the Governor-General of Australia, General Sir Peter Cosgrove.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-17/former-defence-force-chief-has-become-australia27s-latest-knig/6400412?WT.ac=statenews_act Angus Houston: Former Defence Force chief officially knighted], ABC News Online, 17 April 2015
On 1 June 2015, Houston was announced as the new special envoy for South Australia. According to Premier Jay Weatherill, Houston is tasked with supporting trade missions, providing advice on international engagement strategies and providing important introductions in key markets. Weatherill also noted Houston's strong relationships with military leaders across Asia being potentially advantageous to the state.{{Cite web|title = Sir Angus Houston appointed special envoy for SA investment|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-01/sir-angus-houston-appointed-special-envoy-for-sa-investment/6512596|website = ABC News|access-date = 1 June 2015}}
Houston was elected to the role of chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast and took office from 1 April 2017.{{cite web |url=https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/structure/executive/chancellor-air-chief-marshal-sir-angus-houston-ak-afc-retd |title=Chancellor Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd) |publisher=University of the Sunshine Coast |access-date=26 May 2019}}
Houston was appointed to the board of Virgin Australia in December 2018, replacing Mark Vaile.{{cite news |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/sir-angus-houston-joins-virgin-aust-board |title=Sir Angus Houston joins Virgin Aust board |date=12 December 2019 |access-date=26 May 2019 |newspaper=SBS News}}
Houston is an Honorary Patron of the ACT Veterans Rugby Club, the Bomber Command Association in Australia, Sunnyfield Disability Services and the Australian American Association Canberra Division. He is the chair of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.{{cite web |url=https://cso.org.au/about-us/governance/ |title=About us – Governance |publisher=Canberra Symphony Orchestra |access-date=26 May 2019}}
Houston is a member of the senior advisory group of the Indonesia-Australia Defence Alumni Association (IKAHAN).{{cite news |last1=Shanahan |first1=Dennis |title=AUKUS alliance: Move to ease ASEAN concerns over subs |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/aukus-alliance-move-to-ease-asean-concerns-over-subs/news-story/e8ad642e65bcdca9dd73f3fcf9f3516b |work=The Australian |date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211018042352/https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/aukus-alliance-move-to-ease-asean-concerns-over-subs/news-story/e8ad642e65bcdca9dd73f3fcf9f3516b |archive-date=18 October 2021}}
Houston is chair of Murray-Darling Basin Authority since August 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.mdba.gov.au/about-us/who-we-work/regional-engagement/authority-chair-regional-engagement-2024|title=Authority Chair regional engagement 2024|publisher=Murray-Darling Basin Authority|access-date=2024-06-19}}
Personal life
Houston and his wife Liz, who is a teacher, have three sons.{{cite web |url= http://www.defence.gov.au/DefenceBlog/articles/houston.htm |title= Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC Chief of the Defence Force |publisher= Department of Defence |date= 9 March 2008 |access-date= 7 April 2014 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140304194244/http://www.defence.gov.au/DefenceBlog/articles/houston.htm |archive-date= 4 March 2014 |df= dmy-all }}
In July 2010, while CDF, Houston took medical leave to deal with prostate issues.Mark Dodd (2010) [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/angus-houston-takes-leave-for-prostate-surgery/story-e6frg8yo-1225897108672 Angus Houston takes leave for prostate surgery], 26 July 2010, The Australian.[http://minister.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=10653 CDF to take leave for medical treatment]{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Defence Media Release MSPA 319/10, 26 July 2010.
Honours and awards
| style="margin: 1em auto;"
|align=center| {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=The Gallant Order of Military Service - Courageous Commander (Malaysia).svg|width=100}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Legion of Honour - Commander (France).png|width=100}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Nishan-e-Imtiaz.png|width=100}} {{Ribbon devices|number=0|type=award-star|ribbon=Order of Orange-Nassau - Commander.png|width=100}} |
=Scholastic=
; Chancellor, visitor, governor, rector and fellowships
{{Expand list|date=September 2021}}
;Honorary degrees
{{Expand list|date=July 2020}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Commons category|Angus Houston}}
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{{s-bef|before=Air Marshal Errol McCormack}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chief of Air Force|years=2001–2005}}
{{s-aft|after=Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd}}
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{{s-ttl|title=Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast|years=2017–present}}
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{{Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)}}
{{Chief of Air Force (Australia)}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Houston, Angus}}
Category:People educated at Strathallan School
Category:Graduates of the Royal College of Defence Studies
Category:Scottish emigrants to Australia
Category:Australian recipients of the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)
Category:Chiefs of the Defence Force (Australia)
Category:Commanders of the Legion of Merit
Category:Commanders of the Order of Orange-Nassau
Category:Commanders of the Legion of Honour
Category:Knights of the Order of Australia
Category:Foreign recipients of the Legion of Merit
Category:Royal Australian Air Force air marshals
Category:Recipients of the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera)
Category:Recipients of the Order of Timor-Leste
Category:Recipients of the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera)