He's back on base ... and this time he's the boss

With the stroke of a pen LCol David Dixon (L) assumed command of 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron from LCol Sean Boyle (R)

The weather cooperated for CFB North Bay military brass as the change of command for 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron (AC&W) ceremonies were held outside the Voyageur Airway hangers Friday morning.

Wing Commander Col Francois Malo presided over the ceremony where LCol David Dixon assumed command from LCol Sean Boyle.

Dixon is no stranger to the base and says he is thrilled to be returning to the Bay for a third tour of duty.

“I think the appointment for me is a huge honour. North Bay is now and has been for a long time the home of air defence in Canada, but for me it more then about being the CO it gives me a chance to come back to North Bay.”

“I’ve spent a lot of years here and I’ve loved every year I’ve had in North Bay, and I very much look forward to the next two here.”

He says coming off what was the busiest two years in the history of the squadron doesn’t leave room for rest as there is still a great deal of work that needs to be completed.

“Some of the challenges we face is to maintain modern technologies to keep up with the air defence mission. Maintain training on those new technologies as we bring them into the squadron.”

“And as well to maintain currency as we reduce the flying hours on fighter aircraft. We look to overcome some deficiencies there with simulated missions and keep the young controllers sharp.”

Dixon also looks forward to working in the Sergeant David L. Pitcher Building.

“This is all new to me; I’m an old crew dog from the underground complex. I spent many good years there, loved it,” he says.

“And my last tour here I was the EA for the wing commander General Hussey at the time.”