Col. Sean T. Boyle has 'The Watch'

Col. Sean T. Boyle accepts command of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay from Major-General J.P.J St-Amand, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region during a Change of Command ceremony Friday.

Just as members of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, city leaders and the media mastered the spelling of the commander’s last name Namiesniowski his two year posting was over Friday.

With a setting that can only be described as the perfect, a clear blue sky with a delightful breeze accompanied by all the pomp and circumstance one can expect from a military event, Colonel (Col.) Conrad R. Namiesniowski reviewed his troops one last time before relinquishing the role of 22 Wing Commander /CFB North Bay to Col. Sean T. Boyle.

In an emotional farewell speech Namiesniowski thanked the 22 Wing personnel and North Bay residents for their support during his tenure.


“For me returning to North Bay was even better than I could have possibly imagined. When I left her in 1991 I always anticipated that I would return but I never expected it would be as the Wing Commander and I certainly never expected that it would be such a rewarding experience,” he states.

“For me I could sum up North Bay in one phrase ‘It’s all about the people, caring, considerate and supportive wherever support is needed thank you very much.”

Echoing Namiesniowski’s sentiments for the Bay and 22 Wing the new commander told the audience at the Change of Command ceremony he is thrilled to be returning to his second home.

“I am delighted to return to the great city of North Bay. This is my third posting here and the region has truly become my second home,” he states.

“I look forward to continuing the exceptional work of Col. Namiesniowski and leading 22 Wing through the inevitable challenges of the next two years. The men and women of 22 Wing are responsible for the no-fail 24/7/365 mission of ensuing the Air Defence and sovereignty of Canada and North America in cooperation with our United States NORAD partners. I am truly honoured to have been asked to join this team of highly trained professionals as we continue this vital and enduring mission.”

In assuming command of 22 Wing Col. Boyle accepts the challenge, responsibility and the demands of leadership. He is trusted with the mission, the well-being of the entire Canadian Forces Base North Bay community, both military and civilian, while maintaining a mutually meaningful relationship with the City of North Bay that has spanned over 60 years.

He assured Major-General J.P.J St-Amand, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region who presided over the ceremony the he is up to the task.

“When the current Commander of NORAD, US Army 4-star General Jacoby assumed his position, his vision for NORAD included the statement “We Have the Watch,” a very appropriate motto particularly for the Canadian Air Defence Sector. CADS provides that critical first warning that triggers the entire NORAD defence team. Until the intelligence and surveillance experts in CADS detect potentially hostile aircraft approaching Canada’s borders or a commercial airliner squawking a hijack code nothing happens,” he explains.

“It is this team of experts here that first detect these critical triggers when seconds count and scramble armed fighters which then brings into play the entire Royal Canadian Air Force, NAV Canada, Transport Canada and RCMP. If the incident crosses the border then it engages the US Air Force, FAA, FBI, DIA, CIA, Secret Service -- We Have the Watch.”