415 Squadron officially stands down in Greenwood

Aug. 18, 2005
By Capt John Pulchny, 14 Wing Public Affairs

 14 WING GREENWOOD -- The Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, visited 14 Wing Greenwood between July 27 and 29 to preside over the closure of 415 Maritime Patrol Squadron and the retirement of the squadron Colours.  The Command Chief Warrant Officer Roger Bouchard accompanied the CAS on the visit.

The visit also included a tour of the Wing by 14 Wing Commander Colonel Perry Matte which showcased the Wing’s accomplishments and requirements that will see the Wing through future transitions of the Air Force and the Canadian Forces with its newly established Canada Command and Task Force Atlantic.

The high point of the visit was the 415 Squadron closure ceremony on July 29th. Following a working breakfast with the Squadron/ Branch Chief Warrant Officers, LGen Lucas presided over the closure parade, which was witnessed by many of the former Squadron commanders and special invited guests.

At the end of the parade, Squadron members led by Lieutenant Colonel Yvan Boilard, escorted the Squadron Colours into the 14 Wing Aviation Museum where the colours were retired with honour and respect.

The closure of 415 Maritime Patrol Squadron, and the closure of Squadrons at 8 Wing Trenton and 3 Wing Bagotville, are some of the first steps in Air Force transformation which will result in more robust and flexible operational units.

Other Air Force Squadrons that were consolidated this year were 433 and 425 Squadrons in Bagotville and 436 and 429 Squadrons in Trenton.

The consolidation of Squadrons will result in no change in operational capability, while providing personnel with command and operational experience needed to set up the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC).  The CFAWC will be the engine of Air Force transformation. It will provide the Air Force with a focal point for the development of new capabilities and the enhancement of existing ones.

As the Air Force transforms itself by replacing and modernizing its doctrine, fleets, equipment, and resources, the CFAWC will align the Air Force with the Army and the Navy as the CF moves towards a more integrated force.
 

ADDRESS TO THE CLOSEOUT PARADE BY COLONEL PERRY MATTE, WING COMMANDER

LGen Lucas; LCol Boilard, HCol Enns; distinguished guests; 415 Sqn members and alumni; ladies and gentleman; and members of 14 Wing Greenwood on parade. Your performance on parade today is impressive as you collectively participate on behalf of the entire Wing in marking the closure of one of our squadrons.

Today we are here to participate and witness not only the relinquishment of Command of 415 Sqn, but also the laying up of the Sqn's colours. As the squadron itself is disbanded, the members with their skills, focus and passion for this community endure as they are consolidated as part of 405 Sqn. While I could speak to this directed consolidation at length, I will instead read extracts form a letter received from the Commander 1 Cdn Air Div, MGen Bouchard on the occasion of this ceremony today.

Therefore the following are some of the comments on behalf of MGen Bouchard:

" On the occasion of this significant event, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to both past and present serving members of 415 (MP) "Swordfish" Squadron for their years of loyal and dedicated service to Canada. In its 38 years as an operational unit, 415 squadron has achieved many significant milestones. Many of you will have your own stories and anecdotes that will remind you of the unforgettable days and exciting times spent on the Swordfish squadron. I encourage all involved with the close out festivities to enjoy the camaraderie and memories that are the true history of the squadron. I am extremely proud of the history and heritage of this extraordinary unit. All past and current serving Swordfish members should be particularly proud of their accomplishments while serving with 425 (MP) Squadron. I congratulate you on your outstanding devotion to your country while serving with this remarkable Squadron."

I would now like to turn the remainder of my comments to LCol Boilard, the last but hopefully not the final Commanding Officer of 415 Sqn.

It has been you distinct pleasure to have known and worked with LCol Boilard this past year. Yvan, you have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership in both representing and dealing with the issues, concerns and requirements of your personnel. You have always put your personnel first and I commend you for that.

I think the OP SIRIUS best exemplified your leadership skills and abilities where you served as the LRP Det Comd for 2 months in Sigonella. You and your personnel left a lasting impression with our allies of Canadian skills, tactics and resolve in conducting ISR missions in the Med. You personally rose to the occasion as Det Comd as you dealt with issues such as food poisoning, but you performance in dealing with a car accident in which two members of the det were seriously injured was both professional and compassionate.

As I have told you personally on numerous occasions, you remind me of a junior Chris Henneberry--very passionate, energetic and at time vocal about requirements to preserve and progress the LRP community. I really appreciate the open and honest exchange of views and ideas. While you would agree your views and opinions, many commonly shared in the community, you remained the professional and would accept and implement decisions once they were made without further debate or resentment. I believe that the closeout ceremonies and also the shared memories and celebrations of the past two days that you have been instrumental in orchestrating reflects in spades this point.

I have very much enjoyed our time together, and wish you, Yvonne, Philippe, Simon and Vincent all the best in your new position of Deputy Director Coalition planning Group in CENTCOM.

I would also like to take one last minute to make a public presentation to Yvon.

Yvan is promoted to AWSE Colonel effective 1 Aug, and it is again a reflection of both your demonstrated performance and potential. Well-done Colonel Boilard.