Cricket greats salute Chappell family high flier Stephen

Greg, Ian and Trevor Chappell reunited in Canberra on Wednesday to see Greg’s son Stephen assume command as Chief of Airforce.

Air Marshal Stephen Chappell at the Chief of Air Force Change of Command Parade in Canberra on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Former Australian cricketer Trevor Chappell says his nephew and newly appointed Chief of Airforce, Stephen Chappell, has surpassed the contribution he and his cricketer brothers made to the nation, with the stakes being more “life and death” at the top of defence.

The Chappell brothers – Greg, Ian and Trevor – were in Canberra on Wednesday to witness Air Marshal Chappell assume command of the airforce, replacing incoming Vice-Chief of the Defence Force Robert Chipman in the prominent position.

Air Marshal Chappell acknowledged he was stepping into the role as Australia faced the most “challenging strategic environment” since World War II and praised aviators for their tireless service, in his first address as chief before an audience including defence top brass, his father, Greg Chappell, and his famous uncles.

Four decades after Trevor Chappell bowled underarm to New Zealand – under the direction from his captain, brother Greg – the youngest of the cricketer siblings led the praise for Air Marshal Chappell.

He noted his nephew, who decided he wanted to fly when he was nine, had inherited his ­father’s “determination”.

Australian Test playing uncles Trevor and Ian Chappell. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“(We’re) very proud,” he said. “Stephen was always focused on what he wanted to do, and flying planes was it from a very young age. I’m sure he’s got his father’s determination to get there. And he’s done very well.”

Chappell said while Stephen and his cricketer father and ­uncles had all served the nation in different ways, Air Marshal Chappell had done so in a more dangerous arena. “Stephen has served on a couple of overseas missions in the airforce … that’s a bit more life and death than going out on a cricket field,” he said

Chappell said his nephew’s appointment, with the ceremonial parade and flyover outside Defence HQ in suburban Russell, providing an occasion for a rare family reunion.

Stephen Chappell with his father, former Australian Test cricket team captain Greg Chappell. Picture: Tara Croser

“The 10-year-old kid who wanted to fly jets is now Chief of the Airforce – it’s unbelievable,” he said.

“Greg took him to watch Top Gun, the movie, and when he came out, Greg said ‘What did you think of that?’. And he said, ‘It’s great, that’s what I want to do’.

“(Stephen) played cricket, but he had to make up his own mind of what he wanted to do. I think he enjoyed cricket, but flying he enjoyed a lot more.”

Air Marshal Chappell acknowledged the hard work and commitment of aviators who “kept the faith” and had diligently prepared for the “challenges and opportunities the future holds”.

He also praised aviators for their tireless service during the pandemic when airforce pilots flew 4500 operations, clocking up 245 years in quarantine, and declared that his own commitment was unwavering.