On July 18, Col. Dany Poitras assumed command of 19 Wing Comox from outgoing Brig.-Gen. Mike Atkins, with personnel from across 19 Wing Comox and the community in attendance.
Maj.-Gen. Alain Pelletier, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, was the reviewing officer for the change of command parade.
19 Wing Comox formed up for the parade, represented by personnel from: 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron, Deputy Wing Commander, 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron (Winnipeg), 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR), 19 Air Maintenance Squadron, 19 Mission Support Squadron, and 19 Operational Support Squadron.
To provide a backdrop to the ceremony, support equipment several wing aircraft were positioned at the hangar entrance, including a CC-115 Buffalo, a CP-140 Aurora, and a CH-149 Cormorant.
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Quadra Senior Band Cadets provided music for the parade.
Col. Poitras received a warm welcome from the 1 Canadian Air Division Commander, and noted his eagerness to work with his new team and to continue to build on the strong relationship with the Comox Valley community.