Season of change at 4 Wing with several Changes of Command & Appointments

It was a busy season for role changes and appointments at CFB Cold Lake.

Between July 5 to Aug. 17, 4 Wing Change of Command and Change of Appointment season came and went.

Wing Commander Colonel David Turenne presided over seven Changes of Command, as well as eight Changes of Appointment, including the 4 Wing and Base Chief Warrant Officer Change of Appointment on July 13.

“We have had a great deal of turnover amongst our Command Teams this summer. I wish to take the opportunity to thank our outgoing leaders for their dedication and hard work, and welcome all newly appointed Command Teams to our 4 Wing Defence Team and in the Cold Lake community,” he said in a press release.

“I look forward to working with the entire 4 Wing Defence Team, empowering everyone as individuals and professionals, to continue delivering on 4 Wing’s mission effectively in Canada and abroad.”

A change of Command Ceremony is conducted when a new Commanding Officer takes command of a Canadian Forces formation, such as a squadron or a unit.

However, a Change of Appointment is conducted when there is a change in the highest ranked non-commission member of a formation as part of the Command Team.

Unit Commanding Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers are vital leaders in the delivery of the Wing’s mission on behalf of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), involving three training squadrons and eight units in Cold Lake, and a detachment in Bagotville, Quebec.

“This summer has seen a significant change in the various squadron leaders at 4 Wing Cold Lake. The community of Cold Lake is extremely proud of our armed forces serving our country and we wish all outgoing and incoming leaders all the best in the future,” said Mayor Craig Copeland in a press release.

Changes

• On July 5, 2023, 4 Mission Support Squadron (4 MSS) conducted a Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Chief Warrant Officer D. Gullacher succeeded Chief Warrant Officer D. Marlow as 4 MSS Chief Warrant Officer.

 

• On July 12, 2023, 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron (401 TFS) conducted a combined Change of Command and Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Lieutenant-Colonel E. Sudul received command of the squadron from Lieutenant-Colonel R. Surkan. In addition, Master Warrant Officer J. Holloway succeeded Chief Warrant Officer M. Riach as 401 TFS Squadron Warrant Officer.

 

• On July 13, 2023, 4 Wing Headquarters conducted a Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Chief Warrant Officer D. Mistry succeeded Chief Warrant Officer L. Darling as 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Chief Warrant Officer.

 

• Between July 12 and July 14, 2023, Deputy Wing Command conducted a Change of Command and Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Lieutenant-Colonel A.M.A. Hannam received command of the unit from Lieutenant-Colonel A.J.M. Gagnon. In addition, Chief Warrant Officer K.E. Seleski succeeded Chief Warrant Officer G.A. Lucas as Deputy Wing Command’s Chief Warrant Officer.

 

• On July 14, 2023, 4 Operations Support Squadron (4 OSS) conducted a Change of Command at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Lieutenant-Colonel T.J. McKee received command from Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. Roesler-Yue as 4 OSS Commanding Officer.

 

• Between July 13 and July 27, 2023, 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron (409 TFS) conducted a Change of Command and Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Lieutenant-Colonel B.N. Switzer received command of the unit from Lieutenant-Colonel C.A. Mask. In addition, Chief Warrant Officer D.S. Wilts succeeded Chief Warrant Officer T.D. Farrow as 409 TFS Chief Warrant Officer.

 

• On July 25, 2023, 417 Combat Support Squadron (417 CSS) conducted a combined Change of Command and Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Major A.R. Brown received command of the unit from Major E.T. Sudul. In addition, Master Warrant Officer C.B.J. Downey succeeded Chief Warrant Officer G.A. Arnt as 417 CSS Chief Warrant Officer.

 

• On August 15, 2023, 10 Field Technical Training Squadron (10 FTTS) conducted a Change of Command at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Major R.C. Forgues succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel R. Durand as 10 FTTS Commanding Officer.

 

• Between July 5 and August 17, 2023, 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron (410 TF (OT) S) conducted a Change of Command and Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Cold Lake, Alberta. Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. Roesler-Yue received command of the unit from Lieutenant-Colonel R.J. Duarte. In addition, Chief Warrant Officer D. Marlow succeeded Chief Warrant Officer C.W. Crowell as 410 TF (OT) Squadron Warrant Officer.