April 9, Captain Fred Jones, CD3, will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces after 46-plus years of “innovative, transformational, loyal and dedicated service” (he may have had a hand in crafting the CANFORGEN announcement…). A depart with dignity celebration with family, friends and workmates was held March 20 in the Annapolis Mess, 14 Wing Greenwood.
Born in Sudbury and raised in Copper Cliff, Ontario, Jones joined the CAF in 1979. After basic training, he served with the Royal Regiment of Canada, in Toronto. In 1992, he joined the Air Reserves and was part of 400 Squadron in Downsview, Ontario, as a pilot awaiting training. In 1993, he joined the Regular Force. In 1999, Jones acquired his wings and was posted to 405 Squadron, at 14 Wing Greenwood. In 2002, he deployed on Op APOLLO, flying CP140 missions over the Persian Gulf. In 2004, Jones moved to Wing Operations’ operations centre, and deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as part of the Canadian Heron UAV detachment. In 2011, he deployed on Op MOBILE, in Sigonella, Italy; in 2015, he deployed on Op IMPACT, in Al Jaber, Kuwait.
“I commend you for your career of service to our country,” wrote The Right Honorable Mark Carney, P.C., O.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada; on a certificate of appreciation.
“You may take great pride in your commitment to defend our nation and the values for which it is known and respected throughout the world. As Prime Minister, I express to you my sincere thanks and appreciation for your efforts as an esteemed member of our nation’s Forces. I join with your family and friends in wishing you the very best as you celebrate your many accomplishments.”
Tim Houston, premier of Nova Scotia, sent congratulations on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia.
“It is my great pleasure to present this Certificate in recognition and appreciation of your 45 years of outstanding service with His Majesty’s National Defence. Your commitment to our country and your professionalism in the conduct of your duties have earned you our gratitude and respect,” read the provincial certificate. “Best wishes for good health, happiness and prosperity in your retirement.”
Fred and Michelle will retire in the “sprawling megalopolis of Kingston, Nova Scotia. The couple have a daughter, Sara, and a son, David. “Remember when” with this September 2022 Aurora Newspaper feature, as Jones had just been presented the Canadian Forces Decoration Third Bar: https://auroranewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Archive/2022/4334news.pdf
Captain Fred Jones, CD3, took remarks and reminiscences in stride March 20, as 14 Wing Greenwood friends, work peers and family gathered for a depart with dignity event in his honour. Jones formally retires April 9, after 46-plus years’ Canadian Armed Forces service.14 Operations Support Squadron Captain Fred Jones, left, received a certificate of provincial appreciation from Chief Warrant Officer Greg Huizinga, on behalf of the premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston.Captain Fred Jones, centre, has 22 years of service with several iterations of 14 Wing Greenwood’s operations section, having joined Wing Operations August 26, 2004; he retires from 14 Operations Support Squadron April 9, 2026. 14 OSS Lieutenant-Colonel Garrett Milne, left, with Chief Warrant Officer Greg Huizinga, presented him a certificate of service at his March 20 depart with dignity appreciation event.Chief of Defence Staff General M.A.J. Carignan congratulated Captain Fred Jones, right, with a certificate of thanks, in recognition of “faithful and dedicated service to our country.” 14 Wing Greenwood Colonel Luc Vachon, left, presented the certificate on Carignan’s behalf.Retiring Captain Fred Jones, right, received a federal certificate of Canadian Armed Forces’ service recognition from Prime Minister Mark Carney March 20, presented by 14 Wing Greenwood Colonel Luc Vachon.14 Wing Greenwood’s 14 Operations Support Squadron Captain Fred Jones, CD3, shares retirement remarks March 20, as he prepared to close out his 46-year-pld Canadian Armed Forces career April 9.Captain Fred Jones, second from right, and Michelle Jones, second from left, were both recognized March 20 with Royal Canadian Air Force certificates of appreciation. Captain Jones was recognized on his retirement from over 45 years of Canadian Armed Forces service, and Michelle Jones for “devotion unfailing support and understand that made possible your spouse’s contribution to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Air Force.” The certificates were presented on behalf of Lieutenant-General J.R. Speiser-Blanchet, CMM, CD, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force, by 14 Wing Greenwood’s 14 Operations Support Squadron Lieutenant-Colonel Garrett Milne, left, with Chief Warrant Officer Greg Huizinga.Captain Fred Jones, spouse Michelle and their children, Sara, left, and David, right: Jones’ 46-plus Canadian Armed Forces career, and his family’s support, was recognized at a March 20 depart with dignity event at 14 Wing Greenwood, as Jones prepares for his April 9 retirement.
