‘Squadron in good shape’ at change of command
It seems everyone wants to be a member of 14 Air Maintenance Squadron, and why not?
“14 AMS – you’re a critical contributor to long range patrol operations,” said 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Jeff Davis. “Without you, there is no capability.”
Davis was the presiding officer June 16, as Lieutenant-Colonel Aleem Sajan turned 14 AMS command responsibilities over to Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Travis in a change of command ceremony at the Annapolis Mess.
“Aleem, who would have thought, as a young officer aspiring to be the CO of 14 AMS, you’d have it during a global pandemic?” Davis said. “All members of the unit are so important: the continuity that holds things together as we change COs, and things have been especially dynamic over the past two years. Congratulations on supporting operations and backing 14 Wing efforts and successes – you remained effective, you provided thorough analysis of issues that provided detailed plans, and we thank you for everything you brought to 14 Wing.”
Davis didn’t have too much of a welcome for the incoming Travis – he’s not yet released him from his role as deputy wing commander, which will happen June 29; but he did congratulate him on his new “dream job.”
“I’m thrilled,” Travis said, beaming. “After a couple of years with the Deputy Wing Commander Branch, looking across the airfield at 14 AMS and sitting at the ops briefs, I’ve been a little bit jealous. I was told my chances were slim to nil to have two command positions at the same base but, when I was announced, I can’t express how excited I was. This was the command tour I wanted, from the day I joined the Royal Canadian Air Force 33 years ago.
“Thank you, Lieutenant-Colonel Sajan, for a squadron in good shape, and there are so many things I’m excited about.”
Sajan left the squadron with a parting gift, a wall plaque crafted of Nova Scotia wood species, depicting 14 AMS’ contributions through its existence, made by Master Warrant Officer Ed Delorme to mark the 2024 100th anniversary of the RCAF. In turn, 14 AMS presented Sajan with a metal desk cube that stands on end, etched on several sides with squadron insignia.
Sajan departs Greenwood to take command at 5 Wing Goose Bay, “extremely proud of what 14 AMS has been able to accomplish.
“The last two years: COVID-19, operations in Europe, demands on the CP140 – we supported all of that, plus short notice work to pack up kits and deploy armaments with the Aurora, helping 415 Squadron with Block IV testing under pressure of aircraft shortages, and being early adopters of the Maintainer application.”
Sajan thanked his command partners within the squadron, across the wing and both Davis and previous wing commander Colonel Brendan Cook for their support; and, he thanked his parents, who immigrated to Canada from Tanzania in 1993.
“It’s been 30 years since we arrived in Canada, and I can only imagine what a difficult decision that was for you, to make that decision for us,” Sajan said, as his parents watched the ceremony via livestream. “It meant sacrifice, and I hope what myself and my siblings have accomplished have made you proud.”
