TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Royal Canadian Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Lunn signed over command to RCAF Lt. Col. Andrew Baier.
The ceremony, held in Dock 2, was attended by Ms. Susan Harper, Consul General of Canada in Dallas, Col Kenneth Voigt Jr, 552nd ACW commander, Col Jason Zemler, 552nd Ops Group Commander, in addition to Stephanie Heller, honorary commander of the 552nd ACW Canadian Detachment, and other esteemed guests.
The ceremony opened with a speech by the presiding officer, RCAF Maj. Gen. Sean Boyle, deputy commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, touched on the time-honored tradition of change of command ceremonies.
Boyle expressed his appreciation for the outgoing commander, “Your dedication, vision, and steadfast commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping the Canadian Detachment and ensuring its readiness to execute its critical mission.”
“It is clear to me that your highly effective and successful tour as a detachment commander is in large part due to your inspirational leadership style, hard work, and attention to detail,” added Boyle.
Following his speech, Boyle presented Lunn and the Detachment with a commendation from the Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff. Gen. Wayne Eyre.
Lunn took to the podium to officially address the crowd as the 552nd ACW Canadian Detachment commander for the last time.
He recognized many individuals and groups that impacted him over the last three years of his command. He recognized the detachment members for their outstanding work and perseverance during difficult times, thanked his family, and acknowledged the 552nd ACW leadership team for all they had done in support of the mission.
“From the most seasoned to the most junior member, please know that you impress me every day,” Lunn said. “You are the most dedicated and talented group of CAF professionals I have ever had the pleasure of serving with.”
In keeping with Canadian tradition, the outgoing, incoming, and presiding officer signed the official change of command certificates, symbolizing the formal transfer of command between the two lieutenant colonels.
Rising from the signing table, the new 552nd ACW Canadian Detachment commander, RCAF Lt. Col. Andrew Baier, took to the podium. “I pledge that the Canadian Detachment will continue the operational and professional excellence that Lt. Col. Lunn and previous commanders of this detachment have fostered.”
The 552nd ACW Canadian Detachment is one of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s contributions towards the defense of North America, and they work to fully and seamlessly integrate into all aspects of the 552nd ACW flying operations, including training, expeditionary operations, and staff. One team, one fight.