July 7, 2022 – Winnipeg, Man. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Command of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton was passed from Major-General Eric Kenny to Major-General Iain Huddleston today in a ceremony at the Billy Bishop Building, 17 Wing/CFB Winnipeg. General Glen D. VanHerck, Commander North American Aerospace Defense Command, Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command, presided.

“Major-General Kenny has led 1 Canadian Air Division, as well as a multitude of other responsibilities, throughout one of the most challenging and demanding periods for the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Armed Forces. We are incredibly fortunate to have his leadership, as he led the team to ensure we continually met our operational commitments, while prioritizing initiatives for positive institutional change. I also extend a heartfelt welcome and congratulations to Major-General Huddleston for his appointment today as the new Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. He is embarking on this Command position at a critical time when our need for airpower is as important as ever, as is our commitment to stay laser focused on becoming a more inclusive organization. I know Major-General Huddleston will thrive in this position of responsibility.”

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

“As the commander of Canadian NORAD Region, Major-General Kenny led a bi-national team of Canadian and U.S. military and civilian professionals who worked tirelessly to credibly deter potential adversaries while also advancing continental defense for North America.  Major-General Kenny has been an exemplary representative of Canada's Armed Forces and of NORAD as a whole.  I look forward to Major-General Huddleston's leadership as we continue the important work of defending our nations.”

General Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.

“Our ability to project force and achieve effects with speed, height and reach, is an essential component of how we conduct operations both at home and around the globe. From airlift to search and rescue to maritime patrols, the airpower provided by the Joint Force Air Component and aviators of this headquarters is central to the safety of Canadians and protection of Canada’s interests.  The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division is among the busiest in the Canadian Armed Forces and I welcome Major-General Huddleston to Winnipeg knowing he brings a wealth of operational experience to the job.”

Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

“1 Canadian Air Division, the Canadian NORAD Region, and the Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton are among the busiest organizations in the Canadian Armed Forces. On any day, there are RCAF aircraft and crews overseas, on NORAD alert, on SAR operations or engaged in critical training to enable operations at home and abroad.  I have no doubt the next few years will be busy, but I look forward to working with the entire 1 Canadian Air Division enterprise and our allies in order to be there for Canada, Canadians and our fellow members of the Canadian Armed Forces, through the generation and employment of agile and integrated airpower.”

Major-General Iain Huddleston, Incoming Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component Commander, and Commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton

“I thank the members of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton for your steadfast dedication, professionalism and commitment to Canada. Each day you defended and protected Canadians at home through NORAD, SAR, assistance during fires and floods, and COVID-19 support and vaccine delivery throughout the pandemic. Outside of Canada, you transported refugees to safety from Afghanistan, provided aid in support of Ukraine, contributed to assurance measures to counter Russian aggression and supported imposition of sanctions on North Korea.  You are an inspiration and it was an incredible privilege to have served as your commander.”

Major-General Eric Kenny, outgoing Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component Commander, and Commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton

• The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division serves as Commander of the Canadian NORAD Region and as the Joint Force Air Component Commander. The commander also serves as Commander of the Trenton Search and Rescue Region, which covers an area of more than 10 million square kilometres: from the British Columbian border in the west, to Quebec’s eastern border, and from the U.S. border to the south, to the Arctic.

• The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region / Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton generates and employs airpower to meet the operational needs of the Canadian Armed Forces at home and abroad.

• Encompassing 11 RCAF Wings across Canada, 16 fleets of aircraft and approximately 13,000 military and civilian Defence Team members, 1 Canadian Air Division provides operationally-ready air forces for rapid deployment and employment, while ensuring its wings and units are ready to meet Canada’s aerospace needs.   

Associated links

• Royal Canadian Air Force
• 1 Canadian Air Division
• Canadian NORAD Region
• Search and Rescue Region Trenton
• Royal Canadian Air Force Operations – Twitter

David Lavallee
Public Affairs
1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region/Joint Force Air Component/Search and Rescue Region Trenton Headquarters
Phone: (204) 833-2500 ext. 6785
E-mail: david.lavallee2@forces.gc.ca