New Wing Commander Col. Mark Hickey takes over officially

Colonel Mark Hickey, incoming 4 Wing Commander, speaks to the audience during the 4 Wing Cold Lake change of command ceremony at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on 25 July 2024. Photo credit: Master Corporal Angela Gore, Royal Canadian Air Force Imagery Technician (4 Wing). 

There is a new face at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

Last Thursday, the local air base conducted the Change of Command ceremony, handing the position to Colonel Mark Hickey from Colonel Dave Turenne.

The Wing Change of Command ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, Brigadier-General Paul Doyle, who was previously Wing Commander at 4 Wing.

“It is a privilege to be back in Cold Lake and rejoin the 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake team. I am grateful to be reunited with such a dedicated group of professionals, who work diligently everyday to uphold and protect our national interests and values. It is an exciting time in the RCAF right now, and I look forward to working with our team to maintain and expand CF-18 combat capability while we prepare to transition to the CF-35,” said Hickey in a press release.

Colonel Mark Hickey, incoming 4 Wing Commander, receives the 4 Wing pennant during the 4 Wing Cold Lake change of command ceremony at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on 25 July 2024. Photo credit: Master Corporal Angela Gore, Royal Canadian Air Force Imagery Technician (4 Wing).

Colonel David Turenne, outgoing 4 Wing Commander, Brigadier-General Paul Doyle, Deputy Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division, and Colonel Mark Hickey, incoming 4 Wing Commander sign documents during the 4 Wing Cold Lake change of command ceremony at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on 25 July 2024. Photo credit: Master Corporal Angela Gore, Royal Canadian Air Force Imagery Technician (4 Wing).

Family and friends of the outgoing and incoming Wing Commanders as well as Defence Team members and dignitaries were in attendance for Thursday’s ceremony.

“Leading 4 Wing over the past two years has been the most profound honor of my career. Despite the demanding responsibilities as Canada’s busiest fighter Wing, our exceptional team has consistently achieved success. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working alongside such extraordinary individuals. I will sincerely miss Cold Lake.” 

Colonel Mark Hickey assumes command of 4 Wing and Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake as the 32^nd Wing Commander. He has served in a variety of command, flying and staff roles throughout his career, most notably serving as the Deputy Commander of the 601^st Air Operations Center at the Tyndall Air Force Base, in Florida.

After two years as 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander, Colonel Turenne is taking on a new challenge as A5 and A7 at the 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters.

“The changing of the Wing Command is one of the most significant events that takes place in our city every two or so years. The City of Cold Lake council and administration have a tremendous working relationship with each wing commander. We were so fortunate to work with Colonel Turenne and wish him and his family all the best. We look forward to working with the new Wing Commander, Colonel Mark Hickey, and welcome him and his family back to our city,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. 

With files from 4 Wing Cold Lake.