Between the ever-present chants of “MSS! MSS!,” the background soundtrack of Sam Tinnesz’ “Wolves” and random howls from the floor, 14 Mission Support Squadron became the Eastern Wolf Pack April 1, adding a new unit crest to the sleeves of several hundred 14 MSS members’ sleeves.
14 MSS joins its counterpart at 19 Mission Support Squadron in Comox – the Western Wolf Pack, “making two halves of a single, united force,” said 14 MSS Lieutenant-Colonel Shawn McGeown.
“Positioned at opposite ends of the country, the Eastern and Western Wolf Packs help safeguard Canada’s flanks, mutually supporting one another across vast distances. Where one pack stands watch, the other echoes its presence, ensuring nothing goes unsupported.
“This patch symbolizes no only who we are, but how we serve. It represents the vigilance of those who keep watch while others sleep, the skills of those who solve problems long before they become crises, and the resilience of a team that endures challenges together, never alone.”
14 MSS, stood up at 14 Wing Greenwood in 2017 to combine the ground support, supply, transport, technical trades and logistics essentials that enable almost everything that happens on the base; adopted the ant in its inaugural patch, in 2021. With many types of ants with specific traits that match the skills of MSS members, along with its ability work as a collective and show discipline, consistent effort and persistence; the ant has been worn with pride for a number of years.
“The ant can pull its weight and more – but the wolf is a lot more aggressive,” said 14 Wing Colonel Luc Vachon. “The fact that both wolf packs now exist makes that connection between 14 Wing and 19 Wing” – both fly long-range patrol CP140 Aurora, and the new P8 aircraft – “all that much closer.
“You enable what needs to be done. We talk about enablers? Mission support? You get stuff done.”
Vachon commended 14 MSS’ new motto, “Protectors of the Shadows” – “and a new patch for you? This is for the positive, for the best.”
14 Wing Chief Warrant Officer Justin Harper also endorsed 14 MSS’ move to a more aggressive posture with the wolf patching.
“We tend to call you the support trades – but we can’t do it without you – any lethality and capability of the Royal Canadian Air Forces depends on the shoulders of you folks standing right here: the enablers.”
Vachon and Harper patched McGeown and 14 MSS Chief Warrant Officer Mario Legnaro with the first of the unit’s new patches, respectively; McGeown and Legnaro then patched the leads of 14 MSS’ five sections: headquarters, Construction Engineering, Environment, Replenishment and Transportation and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Patches proceeded through the ranks on parade, including the unit’s civilian members.
Each section also got its own stuffed wolf mascot, already named by section members: HQ is “Harou,” CE is “Apex,” Environment is “Envy,” Replen is “Radar” and TEME is “Diesel.” The mascots are intended to travel with section members on trainings, operations or deployments, representing MSS – and photo-bombing activities at any opportunity for a unit Sharepoint.
“And maybe one section is over in another section and steals ‘em,” suggested Legnaro. “… the fun stuff!”
Cake, coffee, a floor hockey game and a noon hour BBQ added to the patching celebration.
“Two packs, one purpose,” said McGeown. “The Eastern and Western Wolf Packs now form a shield. Fellow ‘Growlers’ of the Eastern Wolf Pack: congratulations on this milestone.”
