Mel Hupfeld

Air Vice Marshal Melvin Ernest Glanville "Mel" Hupfeld (b. 7 March 1962) is a senior officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, currently serving as Air Commander Australia.

Early life and career
Hupfeld was born in Sydney, New South Wales on 7 March 1962, and joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an Officer Cadet in 1980. He finished his training in 1983, won the 'Flying Prize' and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

During Hupfeld's career he has flown the Dassault Mirage III and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet flying mainly with No. 3 Squadron RAAF.

Hupfeld was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on 27 November 2003 for his command of No. 75 Squadron RAAF during Operation Falconer, and the squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Hupfeld has commanded several RAAF units during his career, he has commanded No. 75 Squadron RAAF, No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF, No. 81 Wing RAAF, and Air Combat Group RAAF. Hupfeld was promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal and appointed as the Air Commander Australia on 3 February 2012.

Personal life
Hupfeld is married to Louise. His interests include cycling, running, fishing, light aircraft, hang-gliding and sailing.

Honours, awards and qualifications




Qualifications;
 * Bachelor of Science degree (1983)
 * Master of Arts in Defence Studies, Kings College London (1997)