(L-R) Lieutenant-Colonel James Peck, outgoing 21 AC&W Sqn Commanding Officer, Brigadier-General C. J. H. Drouin, 1 Canadian Air Division Deputy Commander Force Generation and Presiding Officer, and Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Délisle, in-coming 21 AC&W Sqn Commanding Officer.
Photo credit: Cpl Joseph Morin, 22 Wing Imagery Technician.
Today, the Sergeant David L. Pitcher Building (DLP) parking lot, located at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay, was transformed into a parade square for the 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W Sqn) Change of Command ceremony.
Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) James Peck relinquished command to LCol Marc Délisle.
‘’I am both honoured and truly humbled to have the opportunity to return to 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron (21 AC&W Sqn) as the Commanding Officer and achieve the NORAD mission," Delisle said in a news release.
"As I assume my new responsibilities with the support of my family and all of the members of 21 AC&W Sqn, I am aware of both the challenge and reward of working this mission. I am looking forward to further getting to know and support all of you over the next two coming years.’’
Brigadier-General C. J. H. Drouin, 1 Canadian Air Division Deputy Commander Force Generation, Winnipeg, Manitoba, presided over the ceremony which was witnessed by members of 21 AC&W Sqn, 22 Wing and local dignitaries.
Quick Facts
• 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron’s Mission: “To provide surveillance, identification, warning and control of Canadian aerospace, through the use of our national sensor network and airborne assets. As part of the NORAD team, perform air sovereignty and counter air missions – always ready and able to defend against any and all air threats in the defence of Canada and North America.”
• Working from the DLP with other CADS support units, 21 AC&W Squadron’s complement of almost 200 men and women efficiently and tirelessly execute the squadron’s 24/7/365 mission.
Today, this includes providing surveillance, identification, warning and control for the aerospace defence of Canada, while also contributing to collective continental defence through the bi-national NORAD partnership.
The squadron also manages a nationwide sensor network and alert fighter aircraft force and exploit Canada's capability to guarantee the continuous and impenetrable defence of Canada's 10 million square kilometer sovereign airspace. Additionally, 21 AC&W Sqn conducts air sovereignty and counter-air missions as required. It plans, coordinates and executes domestic missions such as Special Security Events and counter-narcotic/smuggling operations, in cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies and Other Government Departments.
For more info: http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/22-wing/index.page
