‘Colonel Thomas, the wing is yours’

New 14 Wing commander excited by ‘every aspect’ of mission

“Wow, 14 Wing – you look extremely sharp, and deserve a round of applause!”

It took about 20 minutes to march on and arrange the July 9 14 Wing Greenwood change of command parade, with over 250 members arranged in four flights across 11 Hangar’s floor. With out-going commander Colonel Luc Vachon, incoming commander Colonel Angie Thomas and dignitaries’ arrival, general salutes and inspection; it was close to 45 minutes before Vachon had the opportunity to thank participants in the largest parade held on the wing since 2019.

“I am incredibly proud,” Vachon said as his opening words.

The change of command was an opportunity to show reviewing officer, 1 Canadian Air Division Commander Major-General Chris McKenna, 14 Wing at its best. Several hundred spectators were in attendance, including regional politicians, community partners and His Honour The Honourable Mike Savage, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia; with more 14 Wing members lining the hangar walls. A full backdrop of aircraft and ground support equipment – including a rescue boat and bomb disposal robot delivering flowers; the wing band and Canadian Military Wives Choir Greenwood, and two blue-sky CP140 Aurora fly-bys added to the event.

“To the members of 14 Wing: thank you for your trust, friendship, professionalism and service.

“There is tremendous change for the Royal Canadian Air Force and 14 Wing – challenges and transition that will have an impact for years to come. You are ensuring 14 Wing is ready, whenever and wherever Canada calls.”

Vachon acknowledged his hockey fan status, and compared 14 Wing’s “Operate as One” motto to a team’s effort.

“Everyone contributes, players all understand their role, and we all move in the same direction.”

That includes, Vachon said, the wing’s primary responsibilities in search and rescue and maritime patrol, and all the enabling personnel and units who make those missions happen; the wing’s lodger units and training programs, and the wider Greenwood and Annapolis Valley community.

“Your support of 14 Wing continues as we evolve and expand. Your partnership makes us stronger, and happy to be here, at home.”

Vachon will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces in the coming days and take on a civilian role coordinating the growing portfolio of 14 Wing infrastructure projects as new aircraft, capabilities, space to house it all; more personnel – and families – come with that evolution and expansion.

“Colonel Thomas, the wing is yours.”

Thomas is no stranger to Greenwood: she has almost 15 years served between 404, 405 and 415 squadrons, and the once-Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit, including command of 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron.

“Now I will call you all family,” she said. “It is a tremendous honour to assume command of 14 Wing: a team renowned for professionalism and commitment to service. This is a privilege I do not take lightly, and I am committed to earning your trust every day.

“I am excited by every aspect of our mission – search and rescue, long range patrol and all the operations that contribute. Every person at 14 Wing makes a difference.

“Thank you all.”

McKenna thanked Vachon, and his family, for decades of service to Canada, and congratulated Vachon for his leadership through the wing’s modernization drive. He welcomed Thomas back to Greenwood, as the RCAF counts on her “deeply impressive” resume to carry the work of “profound, strategic change” on in the face of a reshaping global security environment.

“You will carry on the work of your predecessors, and you will always have our full support. I am incredibly proud, and there is no doubt in my mind the members of 14 Wing will meet these challenges head on.”