 His first major task was the creation of the Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF ) . The government established a joint Army – Navy board to provide recommendations on the matter , with Blamey and Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams as the Army representatives . Blamey supported the creation of a separate air force , albeit one still subordinate to the Army and Navy . He refused to yield , however , on his opposition to the Navy 's demand that Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Goble become its first chief . 
