 Returning to Australia in 1954 , McNamara was posted to Headquarters Training Command as pilot training officer . From 1955 until 1957 he served as staff officer fighter operations at the Department of Air , before being appointed Commanding Officer No. 25 Squadron . Promoted wing commander , he took charge of No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit ( No. 2 OCU ) at RAAF Base Williamtown , New South Wales in 1959 . No. 2 OCU was responsible for training pilots to fly the CAC Sabre jet fighter , which was operated by Nos. 3 , 75 and 77 Squadrons . His performance as commanding officer earned him the Air Force Cross in the 1961 Queen 's Birthday Honours . 
