2 Canadian Air Division commander receives U.S. service medal

News Article / November 2, 2012

On October 4, Brigadier-General Martin Galvin, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division, was awarded the United States’ Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for exemplary service and leadership during his posting to NORAD Headquarters.

Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, presented BGen Galvin with the medal at 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters in Winnipeg, Man.

While at NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from July 2009 to June 2011, BGen Galvin (then a colonel) oversaw a major upgrade and transformation of the command centre, greatly improving its security. He also led the integration of intelligence-gathering with partner organizations, which enhanced the command centre’s ability to provide critical information to American and Canadian authorities in support of the NORAD mission.

Now, BGen Galvin focuses his leadership skills on his job as commander of 2 Canadian Air Division. Stood up in 2009, the division is responsible for training the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force—from initial trade training to ongoing professional development throughout their military careers. It also develops aerospace doctrine for the RCAF through the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre, coordinates the “lessons learned” program to review and learn from past operations, and develops new methods and opportunities in training and education through technology.