23 Apr 2009 | Ref. 068/2009
ADELAIDE, Australia - BAE Systems Australia has paid tribute to its longest serving defence advisor, Air Marshal Selwyn David Evans AC AO DSO AFC (Retired) who will retire at the end of June after a career with the company spanning twenty years.
David Evans served 42 years with the Royal Australian Air Force from 1943 until 1985, rising through the ranks from Sergeant Pilot to Air Marshal, culminating his career as Chief of the Air Staff.
As one of the country’s most distinguished military leaders and aviators, he was awarded the Air Force Cross for service in the RAAF VIP Flight, and the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry in operations in Vietnam.
He was also made an Officer of the Order of Australia for service as Chief of Air Force Operations, and a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for service as Chief of the Air Staff.
In his illustrious flying career focused primarily on the strike role, he flew nearly 9000 hours in a variety of aircraft, from the Tiger Moth to the F-111C bomber.
He also took part in the famous Berlin Airlift in 1948-49, flying more than 250 hazardous round trips behind the controls of a C-47 Dakota transport aircraft.
Following his retirement from the RAAF, Air Marshal Evans joined the Board of British Aerospace Australia in 1990 as a non-executive director and later was appointed Senior Defence Advisor to BAE Systems Australia.
Jim McDowell, Managing Director, said today, “Air Marshal Evans has made an invaluable contribution over two decades to BAE Systems Australia.
“David has provided signal strategic defence and military advice to me as CEO and my predecessors that has most effectively contributed to the success of our company.’
“He is one of nature’s true gentlemen, and we wish him well in his undoubtedly very active retirement,” Mr McDowell said.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information contact:
Simon Latimer, BAE Systems Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8480 8759, Mob: +61 (0) 401 674 110
simon.latimer@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384795
john.neilson@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384719 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
