Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confessed to having something of a crush on defence boss Angus Houston as he prepares to leave his role.
Air Chief Marshal Houston retires as chief of the Australian Defence Force on July 4 after six years in the role, having survived three prime ministers and five defence ministers.
He was farewelled at a politician-studded dinner at the Australian War Memorial on Thursday, where Ms Gillard led the avalanche of praise.
She directed her first comments to Air Chief Marshal Houston's wife of 35 years, Liz, who was seated in the front row.
"I wanted to say to you tonight some words you might find hard to hear and that is: every woman I know is a little bit in love with your husband," Ms Gillard said.
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"I've tested the proposition with the governor-general, who's a little bit in love with your husband; I'm a little bit in love with your husband."
"We're all a little bit in love with Angus because of his qualities, and don't they just shine through?"
In an sometimes emotional speech, she praised Air Chief Marshal Houston for his integrity, compassion, and his hard work as Australia's second-longest serving ADF chief.
Her voice caught as she recalled long media conferences when the two-metre-tall ADF boss would dutifully crouch beside her to ensure he was in shot of the cameras.
He was a modest man, with little to be modest about, Ms Gillard said.
Air Chief Marshal Houston deflected much of the high praise by saying he had simply been doing his job.
He retires after 41 in Defence, having joined the air force soon after arriving in Australia from Scotland in 1968.
He arrived with a suitcase, less than $100 in his pocket and knowing no-one.
More than 40 years later, he was honoured to be farewelled by a large group of friends and colleagues, including Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
"It's been a long journey ... that for me has been most fortunate, almost incredible," Air Chief Marshal Houston told those gathered.
"In the United States they talk about the American dream; well, I think I've lived an Australian dream.
"To start with virtually nothing, know nobody and to be here tonight ... I say, it's quite remarkable."
The night capped off with the ADF chief earnestly singing his way through the Beatles classic When I'm 64.
Air Chief Marshal Houston celebrated that birthday earlier this month.
