Australian official recognizes international affairs officer

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Brogan
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  The Australian department of defense recognized an Air Force international affairs officer for his work in helping bring the C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft to the Australian fleet with an award Dec. 11 at the Pentagon.

Australian Army Lt. Gen. David Hurley presented Maj. Stephen Webb with the Capability Development Group Commendation Award.

Major Webb was instrumental in bringing the American-built aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force in just nine months, a process that normally takes years.

"Effectively, this has probably been the fastest that the Air Force has delivered a weapons system to one of our partners," Major Webb said.

Australian air force officials said the arrival of the C-17 into their fleet will significantly enhance their ability to support national and international operations along with major disaster relief efforts. Australia is a longstanding ally of the United States and is participating in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

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