Chief of Defence Force Welcomes Three New Service Chiefs

After careful consideration, the Government has appointed three new Service Chiefs to command the Navy, Army and Air Force.

Today’s announcement of the new leadership team has been welcomed by the Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Kevin Short.

The appointments announced today by Minister of Defence Ron Mark are:

• Commodore  David Proctor will become the new Chief of Navy, upon promotion to Rear Admiral

• Brigadier John Boswell, DSD, will become the new Chief of Army, upon promotion to Major General

• Air Commodore Andrew Clark will become the new Chief of Air Force, upon promotion to Air Vice-Marshal

Change of Command ceremonies will occur on 7 September for the new Chief of Air Force, 10 September for the new Chief of Army, and the end of November for the new Chief of Navy.

Brigadier Boswell replaces Major General Peter Kelly as Chief of Army, Commodore Proctor replaces Rear Admiral John Martin as Chief of Navy and Air Commodore Clark replaces Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies.

“This is a major change to the leadership of the New Zealand Defence Force,” Air Marshal Short said. “It follows the change of command of Chief of Defence Force earlier this year, and the announcement of a new Vice Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Davies, recently.

“I want to congratulate all the successful candidates, and those who were interviewed for these very important positions. It reinforced to me the depth of talent in the ranks of the Defence Force.”