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PEOPLE AND AWARDS

New Commander for Canada’s Air Force

OTTAWA–Command of Canada’s Air Force officially changed hands at a ceremony held on October 1, 2009, at the Canada Aviation Museum in Ottawa.

The new Commander for Canada’s Air Force, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps Photo Credit: MCpl Roy MacLellan

The new Commander of Air Command and Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, assumed command from Lieutenant-General Angus Watt at a ceremony presided over by General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff.

“Through the leadership of Lieutenant-General Watt, the Air Force has risen to the challenge of significantly increased domestic and operational demands,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “As Lieutenant-General Deschamps takes command, I have every confidence that the Air Force will continue to be ready to respond to Canada’s needs at home and abroad.”

“The Air Force has a great future,” said LGen Deschamps. “In line with the Canada First Defence Strategy, we’ve made great progress in a number of areas – such as the acquisition of the CC-177 Globemaster and signing contracts for new CC-130J Hercules and new CH-147F Chinooks. This is thanks to the leadership of my predecessors and the hard work of the professional, dedicated men and women of the Air Force.”

“I intend to keep the pace moving forward, integrate our new equipment and continue to renew our capabilities. This is a great team with great equipment and great training, delivering world class results. I am proud to lead Canada’s Air Force into the future.”

As the senior Air Force officer in the Canadian military, the Commander of Air Command and Chief of the Air Staff acts as an advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff on strategic Air Force issues. He is also responsible for training, generating and maintaining combat capable, multi-purpose air forces to meet Canada’s defence objectives.

LGen Deschamps has accumulated more than 7,500 flying hours, flying aircraft such as the CT-134 Musketeer, CF-104 Starfighter and CC-130 Hercules. His recent appointments have included Commander of the Theatre Support Element in southwest Asia, Wing Commander of 8 Wing Trenton, Chief of Staff Operations at Canadian Expeditionary Force Command in Ottawa, and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.

LGen Watt is retiring after 37 years of distinguished service with the Air Force.

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Family of former 12 Wing member receives Memorial (Silver) Cross

By 2Lt Thomas C Edelson - 12 Wing Shearwater / Aviation.ca

On September 4, 2009, the Memorial (Silver) Cross was awarded to the relatives of Capt. Juli-Ann Mackenzie, by the Lieutenant-Govenor of Saskatchewan, the Honourable Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart. Capt. Mackenzie was a former 443 Squadron Sea King pilot who died tragically in a CH146 Griffon crash while conducting a search and rescue (SAR) mission over Labrador on July 18, 2002. The crash also killed Capt. Colin Sonoski and seriously injured Cpl. David Pawulski and Sgt. Mario Michaud.

The award was presented to her widower, Capt. Rob McMullen, as well as her parents, Mrs. Candys MacKenzie and Mr. Rick Mackenzie of Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Capt McMullen is a former MARS officer who has recently been selected for the pilot trade and is posted to CFB Kingston while awaiting primary flight training.

Capt. MacKenzie joined the Canadian Air Force in 1991 and attended basic training in Chilliwack, BC, before pursuing studies at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC. Following graduation, she underwent flight training in Portage La Prairie, MB, and Moose Jaw, SK, before receiving her wings in April of 1997. She was then posted to 443 Squadron at Patricia Bay, near Victoria, where she flew the CH124 Sea King helicopter until 2001.

The Memorial Cross, often referred to as the Silver Cross for Mothers, was created in 1919 to commemorate the dead of the First World War. The Cross was reinstituted in August 1940 for the Second World War and again in 1950 for the Korean conflict. As of January 1, 2007, all CF deaths that are related to military service now carry entitlement to the Memorial Cross. This new measure recognizes the unique sacrifice and danger inherent in all military activities: those who die in training accidents, conducting SAR missions or fighting fires or floods—will now be eligible for the same honour as those in foreign military operations.

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AFAC annual general meeting and awards

On October 17, 2009, the Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC) held its annual general meeting and annual awards banquet at the National Air Force Museum of Canada at 8 Wing Trenton.

One of the eight awards to be given at the banquet was the Andrew Mynarski, VC, Memorial Trophy (search and rescue award). The trophy was awarded to the combined units of 413 Squadron, 424 Squadron, 439 Squadron and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre – 8 Wing Trenton.

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