This morning, Brigadier-General John Alexander assumed command of 2 Canadian Air Division (2 CAD), the training authority for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), from Brigadier-General Denis O’Reilly.

“So much of what we do in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is dependent on 2 Canadian Air Division laying the building blocks for mission success, through the delivery of quality training and education. Brigadier-General O’Reilly has brought tremendous passion and innovation to the job, and his honest, compassionate and caring leadership has enabled the delivery of a multitude of initiatives throughout a very challenging period. I am immensely proud of the work that has been accomplished over the past two years. I also extend a wholehearted welcome and congratulations to Brigadier-General Alexander for his appointment today as the new Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division. He takes Command during a time when the Division’s flight path is more critical than ever as we continue to grow, develop, and inspire our future aviators.”

Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force

“This command opportunity has been a career highlight. I’m so proud of what everyone at 2 CAD has accomplished over the last few years and how this incredible team has navigated extremely difficult, unprecedented times. It is our people who enable us to succeed every day. The work we do, including the way we balance the numerous demands placed on us against our resources, is critical to our ability to retain the members of our RCAF team and ensure their families are looked after. Under the excellent leadership of BGen Alexander and Chief Warrant Officer Shillingford, I know the members of 2 CAD will continue to do all they can to create a positive work environment and culture, and keep this formation’s incredible momentum moving forward.”

Brigadier-General Denis O’Reilly, Outgoing Commander, 2 Canadian Air Division

“It is an honour to assume Command of 2 Canadian Air Division during such a critical time for the Royal Canadian Air Force, as we seek to grow and continually energize our training and education efforts. Innovation is alive and well across the RCAF and I look forward to championing this as we step forward to continually build the foundation for our Air Force. And what I look forward to the most, is the opportunity to work closely with our aviators and Defence Team professionals at the Division. My sincere appreciation to Brigadier-General O’Reilly for his steadfast leadership over the past two years.”

Brigadier-General John Alexander, Incoming Commander, 2 Canadian Air Division

• The Commander 2 Canadian Air Division is the delegated Training Authority for the RCAF, is accountable to the Commander of the RCAF, and provides oversight of RCAF individual education and training, including ab-initio training, for most RCAF occupations. The Commander also provides oversight of core RCAF developmental courses, and support to the overall RCAF training management.

• The 2 Canadian Air Division Team ensures the delivery of advance aerospace knowledge and leading edge training in an innovative, safe, efficient, and effective environment, generating personnel that are ready to respond to the operational needs of the RCAF.

• Encompassing three RCAF Wings across Canada, eight fleets of aircraft and approximately 4,000 military and civilian Defence Team members, 2 Canadian Air Division builds the foundation that allows the RCAF to provide the CAF with relevant, responsive, and effective air power to meet the defence challenges of today and into the future.

Associated links

• Royal Canadian Air Force
• 2 Canadian Air Division

Public Affairs
2 Canadian Air Division
Phone: (204) 833-2500 ext. 6785
E-mail: david.lavallee2@forces.gc.ca