Group Captain Neville O'Donnell

Commanding 78 Wing and Director of Training, Air Combat Group Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

Group Captain Neville O’Donnell is the Officer Commanding 78 Wing and Director of Training, Air Combat Group for the Royal Australian Air Force. In this role, he is responsible for all Air Force fighter aircrew training prior to their conversion onto either the F-35, F/A 18F or E/A-18G. 78 Wing also includes the Australian Air Force’s Special Forces capability. Group Captain O’Donnell joined the Air Force in 1989. Since then he has accumulated over 6500 hours flying time with tours on F-111, GR4 Tornado (RAF Exchange), Hawk 127, Macchi, PC-21, PC-9 and CT-4A aircraft. He completed his masters degree in 2016 with the Australian National University. Group Captain O’Donnell has commanded two flying units prior to his current command of 78 Wing. In his role of Commanding Officer of 76 Squadron, he oversaw the introduction of the upgraded Hawk 127 aircraft as Australia’s lead-in fighter platform. This complex transition brought a significant increase in the use simulation, high definition debrief and mission rehearsal technologies, and a focus on maximising individual performance. As Commanding Officer of Central Flying School, he was responsible for all instructor training and standards across the Australian Defence Force. Group Captain O’Donnell is married to Gill; together they have two children, Ben and Hannah. His interests include all things technology, mountain biking and enjoying good food.