Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Carl Newman AM, Royal Australian Air Force

Australian Defence Attaché / Head of Australian Defence Staff – Washington

Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Carl Newman was appointed as the Australian Defence Attaché to the United States of America and Head of the Australian Defence Staff – Washington in January 2026.

He began service in 1989 as a Royal Australian Air Force Navigator flying the C-130 Hercules. On postings to 37 and 36 Squadrons, AVM Newman accrued 6,400 flight hours in all C-130 roles and missions.

During his flying career, AVM Newman served in numerous operations, notably including the liberation of Kuwait in 1990, the UN Advanced Mission Cambodia in 1991, Unified Task Force Somalia in 1993, Australian Defence Force (ADF) East Timor operations in 1999, and ADF Middle East operations in 2003. He also participated in numerous Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster and Evacuation operations providing relief to affected peoples across Australia, South East Asia and the South West Pacific.

In 2004, AVM Newman attended the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College, receiving a master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science. He is a graduate of the 2019 Australian Defence College’s Defence Strategic Studies Course. AVM Newman has served in key staff positions including Director Royal Australian Air Force’s Plan Jericho, DJ35 Deputy Chief of Operations Plans at United States Central Command Tampa, Florida, the Royal Australian Air Force’s Air Mobility Group Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander Australian Air Command. He has commanded at unit, wing and group level and his prior post was as the Australian Deputy Commander of US Pacific Air Forces based in Honolulu, HI.

AVM Newman was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2022 and received the United States Meritorious Service Medal for performing outstanding services as the Australian Advisor and Military Instructor at the USAF Air Command and Staff College from 2005-2007.