the Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) from the United States in "recognition of gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq" in 2003. He was promoted to air vice marshal on 1 January 2001, and to air marshal on 18 July 2003. From 2003 to 2004 Torpy was deputy commander-in-chief at RAF Strike Command. On 26 July 2004, he was appointed chief of joint operations at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2005 New Year Honours. With promotion to air chief marshal on 13 April 2006, Torpy became Chief of the Air Staff and an air aide-de-camp to Her Majesty the Queen on 13 April 2006. He was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in the 2008 Birthday Honours. In July 2008, Torpy hosted the RAF's biggest air display in two decades, as a procession of aircraft flew past the queen to commemorate the service's 90th anniversary. Controversially, in June 2009, he argued for consolidation of all British air power in the hands of the RAF, effectively questioning the future of the Royal Navy's jet aircraft. Torpy retired from the RAF in July 2009, and became senior military advisor to BAE Systems. He is also Chairman of the Trustees of the RAF Museum and a governor of Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School. Personal life Torpy married Christine Jackson in 1977. His interests include golf, hill walking, military history and cabinet making. References External links Debrett's – Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy |- |- |- |- |- |- 1953 births Living people Graduates of the Royal College of Defence Studies People from Ely, Cambridgeshire Graduates of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell Alumni of Imperial College London Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Officers of the Legion of Merit Royal Air Force air marshals Chiefs of the Air Staff (United Kingdom) Fellows of the Royal Aeronautical Society Royal Air Force personnel of the Gulf War Military personnel from Cambridgeshire Royal Air Force personnel of the Iraq War British military leaders of the Iraq War 20th-century Royal Air Force personnel 21st-century Royal Air Force personnel