Members of 14 Wing Greenwood welcomed Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Jennie Carignan and the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer (CAF CWO) Bob McCann February 24 for a full afternoon of engagement, discussion, and first-hand insight into operations at Canada’s largest air force base on the East Coast.
Carignan and McCann began their visit with an office call over lunch at the Annapolis Cafe, meeting with wing leadership to discuss current operations, modernization initiatives and the future growth of 14 Wing.
An afternoon town hall, with strong attendance of wing members, began with the CDS and CAF CWO presenting recognition coins to five deserving 14 Wing members. They then offered remarks, emphasizing the importance of supporting CAF members and their families, while ensuring the force remains ready, relevant and resilient. The discussion reflected both the challenges and opportunities facing the CAF, and reinforced senior leadership’s commitment to listening directly to members at all levels, including an opportunity for personnel to ask Carignan and McCann questions on topics including retention, housing and readiness.
Carignan and McCann had the opportunity to tour several flying squadrons. At 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron, they had a static tour of the CC295 Kingfisher and met with search and rescue aircrew and maintenance personnel. The visit highlighted the critical role 413 Squadron plays in saving lives in the Atlantic region.
At 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron, Carignan and McCann toured the CP140 Aurora and met with aircrew, along with gathered members of 14 Air Maintenance Squadron and 14 Mission Support Squadron. Discussions focused on maritime patrol operations, anti-submarine warfare and the teamwork required to generate combat-capable aircraft.
At 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron, the delegation toured the Distributed Mission Training facility and simulators, demonstrating the advanced training environment used to prepare CP140 crews. Squadron personnel outlined how synthetic training enhances readiness and interoperability. Members of 415 (Long Range Patrol Force Development) Squadron also delivered a brief update on the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft transition to the P8 Poseidon, a significant modernization effort, and what it means for 14 Wing and maritime air operations.
Throughout the visit, Carignan and McCann heard directly from Defence Team members who generate and sustain operations at 14 Wing. The visit was an opportunity to showcase the professionalism and dedication of Greenwood’s personnel, and reinforce the wing’s central role in delivering maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and advanced training capabilities.
14 Wing chief warrant officer executive assistant Sergeant Thomas Bertrand February 24 was presented a Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer’s Coin by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan and the CAF Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann. Bertrand has been instrumental to the operational and institutional success of 14 Wing over the past three years as a trusted advisor, whose analysis and recommendations have directly informed command decision, ensured equitable application of policy across the wing and strengthened support to subordinate command teams. Through disciplined coordination with all 14 Wing units and RCAF wings, Bertrand has ensured 14 Wing command team direction is clearly understood and effectively executed at all levels of the wing. His leadership, professionalism and tireless commitment – often beyond normal hours, have enabled critical events, reinforced morale and measurably enhanced command effectiveness.Deputy Wing Command Branch Petty Officer First Class John Anderson February 24 was presented a Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer’s Coin by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan and the CAF Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann. Anderson was recognized for exceptional senior NCM leadership and professionalism while performing multiple warrant officer-level roles, including as the acting master warrant officer within Personnel Administration. Through calm authority, ethical leadership and relentless commitment to excellence, he resolved complex personnel challenges, restored clarity to critical processes and strengthened trust across the wing. His actions, grounded in the DND/ CAF Code of Values and Ethics, directly enhanced operational effectiveness and set the benchmark for senior non-commissioned leadership in the profession of arms.405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron Captain Dillon Burgess February 24 was presented a Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer’s Coin by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan and the CAF Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann. Burgess was recognized for exceptional contributions to the tactical excellence and operational readiness of 14 Wing Greenwood. As one of only two Canadians to graduate the Maritime ISR Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at NAS Fallon, Burgess reinforced CAF credibility within an elite coalition community. Through disciplined leadership, visible championship of fitness and wellness, and deliberate efforts to strengthen cohesion and resilience; Burgess elevated standards, built stronger teams and directly enhanced operational effectiveness across the wing.Deputy Wing Command Branch Major Melissa Irvine February 24 was presented a Chief of the Defence Staff Coin by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan and the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann. Irvine was recognized for exceptional leadership and making an enduring impact as 14 Wing’s Culture Evolution Coordinator, helping to advance equity and inclusion by empowering Defence Advisory Groups and translating institutional intent into sustained, measurable action. By forging partnerships with the Nova Scotia para-hockey community, she strengthened community engagement and inclusion. Through leading wing-wide discussions with the author of Trusted to Serve and Fighting Spirit, she reinforced that character, professionalism and inclusivity are foundational to the Royal Canadian Air Force.14 Operations Support Squadron Master Warrant Officer Rod Colbourne February 24 was presented a Chief of the Defence Staff Coin by Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan and the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann. Colbourne was recognized for exceptional senior NCM leadership and professionalism, which strengthens operational readiness and member commitment at 14 Wing Greenwood. Through sound judgment and earned moral authority, he leads complex responsibilities, showcases expertise in drill, discipline and deportment and unified dispersed teams; mentors NCMs and officers alike, reinforcing a disciplined, inclusive and values-based culture. Through sustained volunteer service and leadership of the CIS Flight annual food drive, he directly supports local families and enhances the credibility of the CAF with Canadians, exemplifying service before self in the profession of arms.14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Luc Vachon greets Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan for her February 24.Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, left, had the opportunity to chat with 14 Wing Greenwood personnel February 24, as he and Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan visited a number of the base’s workspaces, including 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron members inside 10 Hangar.413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron Captain Ian Ewing, left, shares some of the squadron’s new experiences with the CC295 Kingfisher with visiting Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan February 24.
