22 Wing / Canadian Forces Base North Bay held a change of command ceremony today, marking the official transition of command from Colonel Richard Jolette to Colonel Joe Oldford.
"Colonel Jolette, who has served as the 22 Wing Commander since April 2022, was honoured for his distinguished service and leadership over the past two years. Under his command, 22 Wing has continued to excel in its mission, contributing significantly to the defence of Canada and North America," says a news release.
"Colonel Joe Oldford, the new Commander of 22 Wing, and the former 21 Squadron Commander, brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to continue the tradition of excellence at 22 Wing. Colonel Oldford expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated team and emphasized his commitment to maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor."
The ceremony was attended by family members, the military community, and local dignitaries. The change of command ceremony is a time-honoured tradition that underscores the continuity of leadership and the passing of responsibility, authority, and accountability to the new commander.
The ceremony was presided over by Major General Chris McKenna, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division / Canadian NORAD Region who said, "Today's ceremony marks a significant milestone for 22 Wing and Canadian Forces Base North Bay. Colonel Jolette's leadership has been instrumental in upholding our mission to safeguard Canada and North America. His dedication and service have set a high standard for all. I warmly welcome Colonel Oldford, whose extensive expertise and leadership will undoubtedly enhance and elevate this tradition of excellence."
"Being a North Bay native and returning as the Commander of 22 Wing has been an immense honour," said Colonel Richard Jolette, Former 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander "The dedication and professionalism of our multinational team here have been truly inspiring, and leading such a diverse and skilled group is a privilege beyond measure. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in our NORAD mission. North Bay is an extraordinary community to belong to. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community, and I am confident that Colonel Oldford will lead 22 Wing to even greater heights."
"Assuming command of 22 Wing and the Canadian Air Defence Sector is a profound honour, and I am humbled to be following in the distinguished footsteps of Colonel Jolette. I look forward to leading this exceptional team and being part of this truly warm and welcoming community of North Bay," said Colonel Joe Oldford, 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander
22 Wing / Canadian Forces Base (CFB) North Bay, which houses the Canadian Air Defence Sector (CADS), is responsible for providing surveillance, identification, control, and warning for the aerospace defence of Canada and North America. This surveillance and identification of all air traffic approaching North America (200,000 flights per year) is accomplished using radar information received via satellite from the North Warning System across the Canadian Arctic, coastal radars on the east and west coasts of Canada, and Airborne Warning and Control System Aircraft.
RCAF Station North Bay opened on September 1, 1951, as part of Canada’s new national air defence network, built in response to the Cold War threat from the Soviet Union.
