New Commander for Air Force operations
News Release
June 21, 2016 – Winnipeg – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Major-General Christian Drouin today assumed command of 1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD) from Major-General David Wheeler at a ceremony held at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, presided over the ceremony.
Before this appointment, Major-General Drouin was the Deputy J5 Strategy, Policy and Plans at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. Major-General Wheeler will lead the Canadian Armed Forces Targeting Implementation Initiative at the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa.
As Commander of 1 CAD, Major-General Drouin also assumes command of the Canadian NORAD Region (CANR) and the Joint Forces Air Component Command for the Canadian Joint Operations Command.
Quotes
“Responsibility for all RCAF operations is a huge undertaking and 1 Canadian Air Division has thrived under Major-General Wheeler’s leadership. Notwithstanding a high tempo of operations here at home and abroad, General Wheeler kept the RCAF flying in formation with our joint partners and allies. As Major-General Drouin takes command, I know that we will continue to project the air power needed to meet RCAF’s challenges worldwide.”
Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force.
“I thank the airmen and airwomen of 1 Canadian Air Division and the Canadian NORAD Region for their sacrifices and outstanding contributions these past two years. They are the backbone of our success, allowing us to fulfill our duties to our partners and allies and help the RCAF project the reach and air power needed to support our operations around the world. I also want to thank my family for their unrelenting commitment and sacrifice. I’m pleased to hand this command over to Major-General Drouin and I leave this post with complete confidence our people are in highly capable hands.”
Major-General David Wheeler, out-going Commander 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region
“Let me say how fortunate and proud I am to return to the home of RCAF operations in Winnipeg. 1 Canadian Air Division and the 12 RCAF wings under it serve a critical role in providing air power in support of all Canadian Armed Forces operations. I look forward to this amazing opportunity to command such a great institution and the dedicated men and women in its service.”
Major-General Christian Drouin, in-coming Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region
Quick Facts
- 1 Canadian Air Division provides the air power that enables the Royal Canadian Air Force meet the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces at home and abroad in roles ranging from search and rescue to the defence of North America.
- Encompassing 12 RCAF wings across Canada, 1 Canadian Air Division is organized and equipped to provide operationally-ready forces for rapid deployment and employment, while ensuring its wings and units are ready with the right mix of air power to meet Canada’s aerospace needs.
- The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division serves as Commander of the Canadian NORAD Region and as the Joint Force Air Component Commander on behalf of the Canadian Joint Operations Command. He also serves as commander of the Trenton Search and Rescue Region, which covers an area or more than 10 million square kilometres: from the British Columbian border to the west, to Quebec’s eastern border, and from the U.S. border to the south, to the Arctic.
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Captain Wright Eruebi
Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 204-833-2500 ext. 6795
Cell: 204-291-1789
Email: wright.eruebi@forces.gc.ca
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