1 Wing Commander

Colonel François Lavertu, CD

Born in Québec City, Colonel Lavertu joined the Canadian Armed Forces in June 1996 under the Regular Officer Training Plan following his graduation from high school. He began his military career at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics.

After completing pilot training in June 2005, Colonel Lavertu was posted to 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (THS) as a co-pilot on the CH-146 Griffon helicopter. Over the next several years, he participated in numerous operations and exercises across Canada. In August 2007, he deployed overseas for the first time, serving as J3 Aviation Officer for Joint Task Force – Afghanistan during the fourth rotation of Operation ATHENA.

Upon his return to Canada, he transitioned to the CH-147D Chinook helicopter and redeployed to Afghanistan in April 2009 as Deputy Flight Commander with the Canadian Helicopter Force (Afghanistan).

Colonel Lavertu’s subsequent postings include Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command in Ottawa; Flight Commander during the establishment of 450 THS; 1 Wing A3 Operations Officer; Staff Officer in the Directorate of Structure Integration under the Chief of Force Development; and Director of Plans in the Air Staff. He also served in the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) as Senior Staff Officer (Air) / Director Special Requirements (Air), and later as Commanding Officer of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron.

He is a graduate of the Land Force Command and Staff College, the Joint Command and Staff Programme, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. He also holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from Carleton University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Security and Strategy for Global Leaders from King’s College London.

Colonel Lavertu currently resides in the National Capital Region with his spouse, Stephanie, and their three children: Nicolas, Bria, and Eva. He is deeply grateful for their unwavering support, patience, and understanding throughout his military career.