August 4, members of 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron gathered at the Annapolis Mess for their change of command ceremony.
In his address, outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Josh Christianson praised his squadron for their diligent work and commitment to mission success under his command.
“I couldn’t be prouder of all the squadron has accomplished in the last two years,” he said. “It’s truly been an honour to have the opportunity to serve alongside each and every one of you. Throughout my tenure, I witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and professionalism that’s always defined the ‘herd.’ Together, we’ve overcome numerous challenges and celebrated many successes, firmly establishing ourselves as leaders in the Royal Canadian Air Force – and even among our allies.”
The esprit the corps Christianson cultivated during his term was evident in the laughter shared during the presentation of many gifts to the outgoing commanding officer, which included an antique 404 Squadron plaque created in Great Britain in the 1940s, a bicycle helmet equipped with bison horns, a face mask in the likeness of Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, and a cake in the shape of a bison – to all of which Christianson exclaimed, “You can never have too much cake. My motto for the last two years: ‘any excuse for cake’!”
Christianson, in turn, presented his herd members with a commissioned, wall-mounted wooden bison head, carved by Master Warrant Officer (retired) Dave Emmons. In lieu of the traditional bouquet of flowers given to the outgoing and incoming commanding officer’s spouses, the team made a contribution to the Nova Scotia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Presiding officer 14 Wing Greenwood Colonel Jeff Davis commended Christianson on his leadership, particularly with regards to the distribution of mission training and simulation. To the incoming commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Gignac, Davis said, “I’m looking to you for your experience – not only from your previous time here in Greenwood and Comox, but also from your involvement in learning in all capacities not directly related to the flying operation. Your task is to continue to stabilise the team as we work through these dynamic times, but also challenge us – challenge our priorities in the ways we do business. You must continue to refine our training methods and put an unprecedented priority on simulation.”
Gignac spoke on his commitment to the wing commander’s vision, and shared his intent to follow his predecessor.
“I promise to you (Christianson) that I’ll keep aiming for that level of achievement and leadership, and carry on with the momentum that you set the squadron on its continuous path to success. In this rapidly changing world, maritime patrol operations have gained a renewed significance. We must be the forefront of readiness and prepare to train technicians and flyers to fulfill the requirements the fleet so desperately needs.”
Gignac rallied his new squadron: “Let’s embrace these opportunities that lie ahead with confidence, and steadfast commitment to one another. As a team, we will navigate and overcome the obstacles and continue to be the well spring of antisubmarine warfare excellence within the fleet.”
