Joint Task Force-Iraq Welcomes New Commander
News Release
November 16, 2015
OTTAWA – Brigadier-General James Irvine assumed command of Joint Task Force-Iraq (JTF-I) from Brigadier-General Lise Bourgon yesterday as part of a regular, previously planned rotation for Operation IMPACT.
As Commander of JTF-I, Brigadier-General Irvine commands approximately 600 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel deployed on Operation IMPACT -- Canada’s military contribution to the multinational coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). JTF-I includes Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) as well as planning teams and liaison officers working within the U.S.-led coalition.
Quick Facts
- Brigadier-General Irvine, a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora pilot, has served in command roles at the crew, flight, detachment, squadron, and wing levels, including as Commanding Officer of 405 “Pathfinder” Squadron during Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan. He recently served as Director of Plans at the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Brigadier-General Irvine was promoted to his current rank on October 19, 2015.
- Following a ceremony on October 19, 2015, at Camp Patrice Vincent in Kuwait, Colonel Shayne Elder assumed command of Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) from Colonel Sean Boyle.
- Before joining the CAF in 2011, Colonel Elder had a distinguished career as a tactical helicopter pilot with the Australian Army and retired after 26 years of service at the rank of brigadier.
- As part of Operation IMPACT’s mandate, Canada is participating in a wide range of operations, including the use of airpower and special operations forces in training, advising and assisting Iraqi security forces.
- Within Joint Task Force-Iraq, Air Task Force-Iraq operates three types of aircraft. The CC-150T Polaris supports coalition air assets in the region with aerial refueling. The CP-140 Aurora conducts intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions based on identified and pre-determined areas of interest. The CF-18 Hornet conducts airstrike missions using precision guided munitions.
Quotes
“I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Brigadier-General Irvine on his appointment as commander of Joint Task Force-Iraq. I am confident that his leadership will contribute to the coalition’s success in stopping the advance of ISIS and countering the global terrorist threat.”
Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan
“Brigadier-General Irvine brings experience, expertise, and a proven record of operational leadership to his post as the new Commander of Joint Task Force-Iraq. As JTF-I moves forward under Brigadier-General Irvine’s watch, I thank Brigadier-General Lise Bourgon for her unwavering commitment to the success of Operation IMPACT.”
General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff
“As the new Commander of Joint Task Force-Iraq, Brigadier-General Irvine’s comprehensive leadership experience and in-depth knowledge of air operations will be of great benefit for Task Force. I thank Brigadier-General Bourgon for her extraordinary leadership and devotion during Operation IMPACT.”
Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to once again lead an agile and versatile team to carry out this important international mission. Under the leadership of Brigadier-General Bourgon, the Task Force accomplished an incredible amount of work, putting forward a tremendous effort to effectively contribute to the mission to disrupt and degrade ISIS.”
Brigadier-General James Irvine, Incoming Commander, Joint Task Force-Iraq
"I am extremely proud of the contribution we made to the Coalition during Operation IMPACT over the past six months. It was an honour to lead a team of determined men and women who are operationally focused. I also recognize and deeply value the support and sacrifices of our families, our most important source of strength.”
Brigadier-General Lise Bourgon, Outgoing Commander, Joint Task Force-Iraq
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For pictures of the Change of Command ceremony, please visit: http://www.forcesimages.ca
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