Mark Binskin
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| Mark Binskin | |
|---|---|
| March 20, 1960 | |
| Place of birth | Sydney, New South Wales |
| Allegiance |  Commonwealth of Australia |
| Service/branch |  Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy |
| Years of service | 1978 - Present |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Commands held | Air Combat Group No. 77 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Iraq War |
| Awards | Member of the Order of Australia Commendation for Distinguished Service |
Air Vice Marshal Mark Donald Binskin AM (b. 20 March 1960) is a senior officer within the Royal Australian Air Force, currently holding the position of Air Commander Australia.
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[edit] Early life
Binskin grew up in Campbelltown, New South Wales and went to Campbelltown Public School. He completed secondary schooling at Hurlstone Agricultural High School.[1]
[edit] Service History
Binskin joined the Royal Australian Navy in May 1978 and on completion of flying training, was posted to fly A-4G Skyhawk aircraft at Naval Air Station HMAS Albatross.
In January 1982, Binskin was selected as the first RAN pilot to undergo an exchange with the Royal Australian Air Force, flying Mirage III aircraft. On completion of this exchange, and with the disbanding of the Navy's fixed wing capability, he joined the RAAF.
Mark Binskin was the Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron at Williamtown during the period 1998 and 1999, and later Commander of Air Combat Group in 2004 until 2005.
Air Vice Marshal Binskin's flying qualifications include Fighter Combat Instructor and Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot. Additionally, he has served as the RAAF F/A-18 Hornet Demonstration Pilot, and in this position represented the RAAF throughout Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand, and has over 3,500 hours in single-seat fighter aircraft. He was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for his performance in these two positions.[2]
During Australia's 2003 contribution to the war in Iraq, Air Vice Marshal Binskin served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Australian Theatre. Following this, he served as the first dedicated non-United States Air Force Director of the US Central Air Force Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, where he was responsible for the conduct of all Coalition air operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (ADF Operations Catalyst and Slipper). For his leadership capabilities in this appointment, Binskin was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service.[3]
Air Vice Marshal Binskin was appointed to his current position as the Air Commander Australia on 26 July 2007.[4] Binskin is to assume his new appointment as Chief of the Air Force on 4 July 2008; upon assuming this appointment, Binskin will be promoted to Air Marshal.[5]
[edit] Honours and awards
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Member of the Order of Australia (AM) | (12 June 1989)[2] |
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Commendation for Distinguished Service | (26 January 2005)[3] |
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Australian Active Service Medal | with "IRAQ 2003" clasp |
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Iraq Campaign Medal | |
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Defence Force Service Medal with 3 clasps | 30-34 years service |
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Australian Defence Medal |
[edit] References
- ^ Gharahkani, Soraiya (16 April 2008). Flying high. Cambelltown Macarthur Advertiser. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
- ^ a b It's an Honour entry - Member of the Order of Australia - 12 June 1989
Citation: In recognition of service to the RAAF as an F/A-18 display pilot and the No77 Squadron Fighter Combat Instructor. - ^ a b It's an Honour entry - Commendation for Distinguished Service - 26 January 2005
Citation: For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Director of the Coalition Combined Air Operations Center in the Middle East Area of Operations during Operation CATALYST. - ^ "Bio for Air Vice Marshal Mark Binskin", Safeskies Aviation Safety Conference, 1 November 2007. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
- ^ New Defence leadership team announced
[edit] External Links
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd AO |
Chief of Air Force 2008-2011 |
Succeeded by Incumbent |
| Preceded by Air Vice Marshal John Quaife AM |
Air Commander Australia 2007-2008 |
Succeeded by Air Vice Marshal Mark Skidmore |
