Ray 'Homer' Simpson OAM

Ray “Homer” Simpson joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1993 and retired in July 2024 after 31 years of distinguished service. He is an F/A18 Fighter Pilot and Fighter Combat Instructor (FCI), noted for his exceptional skill and leadership.

Notable achievements include being named Air Force's Most Proficient Fighter Pilot, earning the highest category as an A Category Fighter Combat Instructor, and leading Australia's first ever F/A18/ Coalition combat strike in 2003 while serving as the FCI for 75 Squadron. He served as the Executive Officer (XO) for Number 3 Squadron during Operation Okra 2016 and was the inaugural Commanding Officer of Number 88 Squadron, responsible for running Air Force’s Air Warfare Instructor Course, focusing on air combat tactics and training, and most importantly, training the trainers. For the last four years, Homer worked for Special Operations Command, based at Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne WA.

Ray’s service was recognized with numerous awards and commendations, including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2003 for his role in Operation Falconer, the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in 2018 for his leadership at Number 88 Squadron. Additionally, in 2024, a new award, the Ray “Homer” Simpson Award, was established in his honour for the most outstanding graduate of the Air Warfare Instructor Course.

Ray currently works with a national Rugby League team, Olympic medal-winning athletes and coaches from the Paris 2024 Games, and the Australian Institute of Sport at both national and state levels. He also collaborates with corporate and government clients, specializing in topics such as performing under pressure, leadership, and risk optimization. With firsthand experience navigating the challenges and potential "dark side" of high-performance environments, Ray brings a unique perspective to helping individuals and organizations thrive under demanding conditions.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and is currently completing the AICD Company Directors Course.