Chief of Staff

WGCDR(AAFC) Ben Stewart

Wing Commander (AAFC) Ben Stewart joined the AAFC as a cadet in 1976 at 3 Flight Fremantle in WA. He reached the Rank of Cadet Under Officer before becoming a staff member in 1982. He has had continuous service with the AAFC since joining and has held the position of Commanding Officer for a number of different Squadrons, before being appointed as a Staff Officer in 7 Wing in January 1999. He held the positions of Staff Officer Aviation and Executive Officer before being appointed as Officer Commanding 7 Wing in 2004 and promoted to Wing Commander (AAFC). In 2005, he was appointed as the inaugural Director Performance Evaluation within national headquarters where he developed and implemented this vital role within the AAFC. In 2008 WGCDR(AAFC) Stewart was appointed as Chief of Staff of the AAFC. Ben is a pilot and Gliding Instructor with parachuting and abseiling qualifications which he has used to train cadets and staff within the AAFC. He has seen service with the ADF and brings extensive senior management experience from the corporate sector by achieving senior roles in both private and large public companies. WGCDR(AAFC) Stewart has worked in most states of Australia which gives him a true national focus on the AAFC. He is married and currently lives in Melbourne.