Members of 14 Wing Greenwood, family, friends and guests gathered on the 14 Wing parade square July 31 to witness the change of command ceremony for 404 (Long Range Patrol and Training) Squadron. During the ceremony, Lieutenant-Colonel Alex Gignac formally transferred command of the “Thundering Herd” to Lieutenant-Colonel Dallas Bregg.
With 14 Wing Commander Colonel Angie Thomas presiding, the ceremony recognized Gignac’s leadership and accomplishments during his tenure, while welcoming Bregg as the squadron’s 44th commanding officer.
The ceremony featured the marching on of the 404 Squadron colours, an inspection of the parade, a traditional smudging ceremony, remarks from both the outgoing and incoming commanding officers, and the formal signing of the transfer of command certificates. The transfer of the squadron colours served as the symbolic handover of authority, responsibility and trust from one commander to the next.
In her address, Thomas highlighted Gignac’s contributions to both 404 Squadron and the broader long range patrol community. He helped build momentum toward the development of advanced weapons and training programs for the long range patrol force, and championed synthetic training and partnerships across the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Special Operations Forces.
Reflecting on his three years in command, Gignac thanked squadron personnel, wing leadership and his family for their support. Gignac, who assumed command of 404 Squadron in 2023, served as the military champion for the wing’s Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization, which presented him with a pride flag in a wooden box as thanks. Gignac received an engraved 404 Squadron gavel as a parting gift, and then presented 404 Squadron with a new squadron gavel. He now moves on to the Directorate of Strategic Coordination within the Chief of Programme organization.
Bregg, a CP140 Aurora pilot with more than two decades of service, brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the position. During his remarks, Bregg spoke about opportunities ahead, as the Royal Canadian Air Force continues modernization and prepares for the future of long range patrol aviation.
As the Thundering Herd marched off the parade square, members recognized both the accomplishments of the outgoing commander and the promise of a new chapter under Bregg’s leadership.
