Latest Stories
MGen McKenna Assumed Command 1 Canadian Air Division | Canadian NORAD Region | Joint Force Air Component | Search and Rescue Region Trenton
CMFMAG TeamMajor-General (MGen) Chris McKenna assumed command from MGen Iain Huddleston at a ceremony at 17 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.
On July 11, MGen McKenna assumed command of Canadian Air Division (CAD), Canadian NORAD Region (CANR), Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) and Search and Rescue Region Trenton.
“The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was truly fortunate to have had Major-General Huddleston command 1 Canadian Air Division (1CAD),” stated LGen Eric Kenney, Commander of the RCAF in a news release. “As his predecessor, I know how challenging this role is, and MGen Huddleston’s service as commander was outstanding. I am also very pleased to welcome MGen McKenna to his new command. Having just served as a member of my team in Ottawa, I know he is the right person to lead 1 CAD during this unprecedented period of modernization.”
The ceremony was presided over by:
- General Gregory Guillot, Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD);
- LGen) Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF; and
- LGen Steve Boivin, Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC).
Force Generator Operation Air Force
The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division is the Force Generator of Canada’s operational air forces at home and abroad. The commander also serves as Commander of the Canadian NORAD Region and the Joint Force Air Component Commander of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The commander also serves as Commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton, which covers an area of more than 10 million square kilometres: from the British Columbia border in the west to Quebec’s eastern border and from the U.S. border to the south to the North Pole.
MGen McKenna assumed command following a tour as the Director General Air and Space Force Development, where he played a key role in developing and acquiring many of the new capabilities for the RCAF, including the CC-330 Husky Strategic Transport and Tanker Capability, the P-8 Poseidon Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft, and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System capability, among others.
“It is truly humbling to be entrusted with the responsibility of commanding 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton,” remarked MGen Chris McKenna. “The dedication, professionalism, and courage of the members under my command reflect the very best of the Canadian Armed Forces, and I look forward to working with you as we continue to deliver air power for the Government of Canada.”
Commanded Every Level Tactical Aviation Community
As a CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook pilot, McKenna previously served as:
- Commander of 1 Wing, the RCAF’s tactical aviation Wing;
- Air Task Force Commander for the United Nation’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and
- Canada’s Special Operations Forces.
He has commanded at every level of the tactical aviation community, with multiple deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan and Mali, noted the press release.
“Continuity of command during leader transition ensures stability, maintains mission integrity, and fosters future growth,” said General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. “As we say farewell to Major-General Huddleston and welcome Major-General McKenna, I have no doubt that the mission of the Canadian NORAD Region has essential stability and CANR will continue to be professionally and expertly led.”
In his remarks, LGen Steve Boiven said the Joint Force Air Component Commander is one of the most challenging command roles in the Canadian Armed Forces. “During Major-General Huddleston’s time in command, the Royal Canadian Air Force has maintained a high operational tempo at home and abroad; this is a testament to the professionalism of our members and to the leadership of MGen Huddleston. MGen Huddleston has done a tremendous job in command of air operations, and I look forward to working with MGen McKenna as we continue to defend Canada and our interests around the world.”
MGen Iain Huddleston Farewell Address
MGen. Huddleston began his career with the RCAF flying the CP-140 Aurora Long Range Patrol aircraft and later served on exchange with the Royal Air Force, where he flew Nimrod MR2 aircraft.
According to a Department of National Defence (DND) press release, MGen. Huddleston, who is a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom, has served in various capacities throughout his career, including:
- Commander of 429 Transport Squadron
- Deputy Commander Force Generation
- Deputy Commander at 1 Canadian Air Division
- Director General Air and Space Readiness at RCAF headquarters.
- Commander 14 Wing Greenwood where he led in the operational debut of the current Block III Aurora.
- He deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 as the Kandahar Airfield NATO plans officer. He has also deployed to Oman and Iraq.
In his farewell address, MGen Iain Huddleston expressed his gratitude to his command.
“To the members of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton, I am extremely grateful for everything you have done over the last two years. Leading you in the delivery of air power has been a highlight of my career. You have set an extremely high standard in the planning and execution of our critical and enduring mission to keep Canada and Canadians safe. Whether through search-and-rescue here at home, defending North America under the auspices of NORAD, supporting Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian aggression, or working alongside our international allies in the Indo-Pacific, excellence has been your hallmark. I will certainly miss this role and this team, and I look forward to seeing what new heights you reach under the command of MGen McKenna.”
1 Canadian Air Division
The Division encompasses 11 RCAF Wings across Canada, 16 aircraft fleets, and approximately 14,000 military and civilian Defence Team members and also provides operationally ready air forces for rapid deployment and employment while ensuring its wings and units are prepared to meet Canada’s aerospace needs.
