‘Quiet excellence, essential work’

14 Operations Support Squadron marks change of command, stewardship of ‘critical role’

There may be lots “not always visible – but essential,” as 14 Wing Greenwood Colonel Luc Vachon said at the July 7 change of command ceremony for 14 Operations Support Squadron. That description could include out-going Lieutenant-Colonel Garret Milne’s emotions during his farewell remarks.

And, while his own squadron played the theme song for the Grinch, “You’re a Mean One,” during Milne’s post-parade departure à la Zamboni, the joke may also have been on them.

Instead of “Your heart’s an empty hole,” as the Grinch is described, Milne was into the under-podium tissue box within his opening salutations, clearly moved to appreciate, thank and say goodbye to the Possums of 14 OSS.

“It is humbling and emotional to stand before you – as you can tell,” Milne said, as two 24-member flights stood on parade before seated guests on the floor and in the stands of the Greenwood Gardens Arena. “I’m a blithering idiot.

“I might talk your ear off in a hallway, but I’m not known for speeches. Today – I have a lot to say.”

Milne thanked 14 OSS members for the “thousands of tasks and functions” they do every day at 14 Wing “so operations can happen.”

“I’ve watched you respond with professionalism, resilience and dedication. You find solutions. Your successes and achievements do not belong to a commanding officer; they belong to you all. To every member of the squadron: thank you for your commitment to excellence, unwavering focus and for looking after your teammates.”

Milne thanked Royal Canadian Air Force leadership, including Vachon and peer squadron command teams, command team partner and base senior men’s hockey linemate, Chief Warrant Officer Greg Huizinga; and squadron administrator, Helen Shields; for their support and collaboration during his own period of command at 14 OSS. With an “almost there” and self-collecting pause, he thanked his family: they are now preparing for his next posting to the United Kingdom.

“I leave with immense pride – not in what I accomplished personally, but for what you all do. Command is never about leadership, but stewardship. I am confident the best days of the squadron are ahead.”

The incoming commander is Lieutenant-Colonel Shawn Dyer, no stranger to Greenwood, with experience during his career at 14 Air Maintenance Squadron, 405 and 404 squadrons, and 14 Wing headquarters. He returns to Greenwood after his most recent post at Strategic Joint Staff.

“Thank you, Lieutenant-Colonel Milne, for your outstanding leadership, and through our handover. You leave behind a unit of operational success – the backbone of 14 Wing, found across the base domestically, and deployed.

“I am extremely appreciative of the trust shown by the RCAF, and I’m honoured to be here: I’m truly excited to return to Greenwood for the third time – fourth, if you consider being here as a kid!”

Vachon, the ceremony’s reviewing officer, thanked 14 OSS for “quiet excellence, essential work and operational support that helps 14 Wing meet its requirements.

“Lieutenant-Colonel Milne, thank you for your professionalism, and your contributions have left a lasting legacy. Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer, you understand Greenwood, the wing and its people; and you know first-hand the critical role 14 OSS provides. We have every confidence you are the right person to lead 14 OSS forward.”