Lt.-Col. Bruns, a member of the United States Air Force for 17 years, accepted the new role virtually, addressing over 100 members, family and friends viewing from Canada and the United States.
The occasion was witnessed by members of Detachment 2, First Air Force and Operations Support Squadron, members of 22 Wing and local dignitaries via virtual technology due to restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to take command of Detachment 2 First Air Force, and Operations Support Squadron," said Lieutenant-Colonel Juliana Bruns. "The personnel that makes up these two units fill fundamental responsibilities in NORAD, and I know I can count on each of you to perform at your highest level, so join me to get right to work.”
“Lieutenant-Colonel Bruns has been entrusted with the greatest honour bestowed on any member of the military, that of command," added Brigadier-General Derek O’Malley. "This trust is due to the incredible integrity and capability Juliana has brought to every position held in the United States Air Force.
“The commander of the 22 Wing Operations Support Squadron requires someone with exceptional drive and determination, and the ingenuity to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of Canadian air defence," said Colonel Mark Lachapelle. "I am confident that Juliana will lead both Canadians and Americans with integrity and excellence.
Lt.-Col. Juliana Bruns is the first female to command 22 Wing Operations Support Squadron and Detachment 2, First Air Force.
The mission of the Operations Support Squadron is to “deliver mission-enabling support through the expert provision of innovative and comprehensive planning, exercises, training, intelligence, evaluations and actionable lessons learned”.
Detachment 2, First Air Force is a United States Air Force Air Combat Command detachment located in North Bay.
The detachment consists of active duty uniformed members including: aerospace control and warning operators, communications personnel, personnel specialists, knowledge operations manager, and a medical liaison. The only USAF detachment in North Bay, it does not function as a stand-alone unit like the stateside air control squadrons; rather, personnel are integrated into various squadrons and directorates assigned to 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.
The mission of Detachment 2, First Air Force is to “advance the shared defense of North America by providing the world's strongest Airmen to support and conduct aerospace surveillance, identification, control and warning to the Canadian Air Defense Sector”.
Members of the United States Air Force (USAF) have been posted to North Bay as far back as January 9, 1952, when USAF Major J. Eiser and Captain B. Delosier arrived and became the first Americans to serve at what was then called Royal Canadian Air Force Station North Bay. Their task: to be instructor pilots for the No. 3 All-Weather (Fighter) Operational Training Unit.
