Change of command at North Bay Canadian Forces Base

Major Andrew Lunn, incoming 51 Aerospace Control & Warning (Operational Training) Squadron Commanding Officer (left), receives a congratulatory handshake from Colonel Mark Roberts, 22 Wing Commander during the change of command ceremony held on Monday, July 8th, 2019, at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay. (Photo credit: Corporal Robert Ouellette, 22 Wing Imagery Technician)

There’s been a passing of the torch over at the 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in North Bay.

Major Brenda Tinsley officially handed over command of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning (Operational Training) Squadron to Major Andrew Lunn. Tinsley was the first female to command a squadron at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay.

"It has been a great privilege to command 51 AC&W (OT) Squadron. The Jaegers are some of the most dedicated and hard-working operators, instructors, and aviators I have had the honour of working with. The future of the RCAF is in good hands! Maj. Lunn brings a wealth of battle management and training systems experience to the fight." said Tinsley.

Colonel Mark Roberts, who is the 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by members of 22 Wing and local dignitaries.

(From left to right: Major Andrew Lunn, Colonel Mark Roberts, and Major Brenda Tinsley at change of command ceremony at 22 Wing/CFB North Bay on July 8, 2019. Photo credit: Corporal Robert Ouellette, 22 Wing Imagery Technician.)

"Major Tinsley’s commitment to excellence, innovative approach, and passion for leading change have effectively prepared 22 Wing members to successfully execute the NORAD mission. Under her leadership, the establishment of a modern, world-class Mission Training Center will allow 22 Wing to be better prepared to meet increasingly complex and diverse threats. She should be proud of her command and know that she has truly made a difference." said Roberts.

Major Andrew Lunn, who was officially sworn in, was the former Deputy Commanding Officer of 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron and the Logistics Committee Chairperson for this year’s Relay For Life.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to take command of 51 Aerospace Control & Warning (Operational Training) Squadron. This squadron holds a fundamental role in NORAD, using the highly trained officers and NCMs to train the future control and surveillance experts of the RCAF." said Lunn.

The squadron's mission is to provide training in surveillance, weapons control, and battle management in support of Canada’s sovereignty and the Air Defence mission.  It is primarily responsible for training nearly 200 operators each year.

Recently, 51 Squadron added the Mission Training Centre to its fleet of training resources. 22 Wing says it allows operators to build critical skills needed to deliver the tactical Command and Control functions of battle management, air surveillance, combat identification, interface control, and weapons control.