Forty-nine years’ service to Canada is a milestone many will not reach. March 30, the 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron Simulation Flight bid a fond farewell to Major (retired) Jeff McBean.
McBean and his family have been a fixture in the Annapolis Valley for many years. He enjoyed flying tours at 407 Squadron, 415 Squadron and had a posting to the Royal Australian Air Force in Australia early in his Royal Canadian Air Force career.
In 2009, after 35 years in uniform, McBean made the very good decision to join the new Department of National Defence Public Service Simulation Flight. Working within a close-knit veteran team was a joy for McBean. As an exercise controller, McBean led the now entrenched Simulator Exercise (SIMEX) program and was an early choice to lead the Distributed Mission Training (DMT) program, which saw a first-time connection between the CP140 Procedure Crew Trainer and the Royal Canadian Navy and United States Air Force simulators.
404 Squadron members will miss McBean. He has an “aromatic” presence that has made him the target of much good-natured humour. McBean has plans to stay fit, as he always has, and volunteer time to the Annapolis Valley community. His dedication has been exemplary. We wish McBean and Janet the best for the future years, and collectively thank him for his service.
