In 1979, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as a cadet navigator.

[1][2][3] Following his return to Australia, Davies became Director General Capability Planning at RAAF Headquarters in 2008.

[1][2] In the Queen's Birthday Honours that June, he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for his "outstanding achievement" while in command of No.

[4] In 2010, he was posted as Australia's air attaché in Washington, D.C., for which he was awarded the Officer of the Legion of Merit from the United States government.

The citation described Davies as "the epitome of professionalism who has distinguished himself through exceptional leadership in shaping the Royal Australian Air Force of the future".

[5] The following year, he was selected as the next Chief of Air Force (CAF); the professional head of the RAAF.

[2] Davies was awarded Singapore's Meritorious Service Medal in October 2016 and,[6] in September 2018, he was appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French government.