Change of command at 413 Squadron marks bittersweet experience
Lieutenant-Colonel Greg Surek left 14 Wing Greenwood July 7 as he arrived some number of years ago as a second lieutenant – in his own red convertible Mustang, “liberated” from his garage for the day, he guessed, with the help of his sons.
“Drive it like you stole it!” was heard from among spectators, as Surek was chauffeured away as the outgoing commanding officer of 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron.
“This is a bittersweet day for me,” Surek said, the last of 11 years spent in his career at 14 Wing. “The past two years have gone by far faster than I thought they would. Two years ago, I told you I didn’t intend to change much; that said, things changed around us.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Norris took on command of 413 Squadron from Surek, with 14 Wing Commander Colonel Jeff Davis as presiding officer during the change of command ceremony held on the open floor of 14 Hangar, with a backdrop of the squadron’s CC130 Hercules and CH149 Cormorant.
Surek highlighted the squadron’s move out in the past two years from COVID-19 considerations, managing staffing and scheduling challenges, adapting to delays in the arrival of the new CC295 Kingfisher but, most importantly, 155 operational missions.
“Our efforts saved at least 80 people, 80 Canadians who we enlisted to serve. We did that 155 times – be proud of that,” Surek said. “My job was to enable you, and I have been amazed at your ability to achieve, adapt and make this squadron the most special in the Royal Canadian Air Force. You go the extra mile, you give your all to benefit the group – and I encourage you to keep doing that.”
Surek also asked squadron members to go home, find “your special person” and say “thank you from me for enabling you to do your job. We can’t do our job without our loved ones.”
He thanked his own wife and three boys, seated in the front row, for their support of his often all-consuming focus on the unit: “The folks behind you in uniform, it was for them.
“SAR is not an easy life, but it motivates all of us, military and civilian. This has been the greatest honour for me as a commanding officer, and I’m glad to say I had a small role in enabling 413 Squadron.”
Norris is no stranger to 413 Squadron, posted here as a Hercules pilot, and again as deputy squadron commander; he also worked at the Halifax Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, which works hand-in-hand with 413 Squadron on East Coast calls.
“I’m so excited to be here, returning to a beloved unit,” Norris said. “I am proud and privileged to serve you. Being a Tusker, a RCAF and Canadian Armed Forces member – we have a responsibility to protect, and we will continue to do that.”
Norris acknowledged continuing squadron transition, including the Cormorant upgrade program and work to build the leadership, safety and balance every member of the squadron needs to “be the best you can be.
“I can’t wait to get started but, I expect in two years, after being in Greg’s shoes, I will share his bittersweet feeling to also leave.”
Davis commended Surek for maintaining his flying currencies through his command term, “no easy thing to do with the administration you carry, but you made an effort to be out front with your people. He thanked Surek for his efforts to meet the wing and the RCAF’s SAR commitment, and his work building a squadron “of leaders that will continue under Mark.”
To Norris, “I’m looking to you for your experience from previous 413 time, but also that not related to the flying element,” Davis said. “I want you to challenge the way we do business that may be less effective than we need, and I want you to support our junior aircrew.”
Davis extended his thanks to all of 413 Squadron for the “pride and work ethic you have and do for your trade. The wing cannot function without your vital function keeping Canadians safe.”
