401 Tactical Fighter Squadron welcomes new Command Team

One of the major Change of Command and Appointments this season at 4 Wing was in mid-July.

On July 12, 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron conducted a Change of Command and a Change of Appointment at 4 Wing Cold Lake. 

Colonel David Turenne presided over the ceremony where Lieutenant-Colonel E. Sudul received command of the squadron from Lieutenant-Colonel R. Surkan. 

“I am extremely proud of what the members of 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron have accomplished over the past three years,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Reid Surkan, Outgoing Commanding Officer, 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron.

“You have all contributed to the squadron’s mission success, without exception. As we transition, I’m excited to watch Lieutenant-Colonel Sudul and the Rams continue to deliver on their mission requirements.”

In addition, Master Warrant Officer J. Holloway succeeded Chief Warrant Officer M. Riach as 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron’s Chief Warrant Officer. 

“This morning’s Change of Command and Change of Appointment ceremony is an ending of sorts. Refocusing 401 Squadron to concurrently support CF-18 operations and transition to new capabilities will ensure 4 Wing mission success, today and in the future,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Evan Sudul, Incoming Commanding Officer, 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron. 

Preceding this ceremony, on July 11, 2023, a flypast was conducted over CFB Cold Lake to mark 401 Squadron’s cease of flying operations and their role shift within 4 Wing, to focus on aircraft maintenance production and support the transition to new capabilities.