Outgoing army chief Lieutenant General Rick Burr has been farewelled with tributes in Canberra following four years in the role.
Lieutenant General Burr was recognised for his leadership role during a change of command parade in the nation's capital, ahead of Lieutenant General Simon Stuart taking over the position.
The outgoing chief said he was fortunate to have served in the role after 40 years in the defence force.
"My lasting memory will be of the incredible soldiers and officers of our army," he said.
"Our people are our strength, delivering incredible outcomes for our nation every day. I thank them or their service, courage, commitment and sacrifice."
The change of command parade featured flyovers from MRH-90 Taipan and ARH Tiger helicopters.
Lieutenant General Stuart was announced as the new army chief by the federal government on Tuesday.
He said he was ready to build on the legacy set by his predecessor.
"General Burr's commitment to developing our people and our individual and collective cultural and ethical fitness through good soldiering is a hallmark of his stewardship of our army," he said.
Lieutenant General Stuart first enlisted in the army as a signalman in 1987.
He has served in the 2nd/4th and 2nd Battalions and has commanded operations in East Timor, Afghanistan, Egypt and Israel.
Lieutenant General Stuart will formally take command of the army from July 3.
It comes as the chief and vice chief of the country's defence force had their terms extended by two years.
General Angus Campbell and Vice Admiral David Johnston will stay in their respective roles until 2024.
