22 Wing North Bay has a new commander.
Col. Joe Oldford took over from Col. Richard Jolette at a change of command ceremony on Thursday.
Assuming command of 22 Wing and the Canadian Air Defence Sector is a profound honor, and I am humbled to be following in the distinguished footsteps of Colonel Jolette,” Col. Oldford says. “I look forward to leading this exceptional team and being part of this truly warm and welcoming community of North Bay. Together, we will continue our tradition of excellence in all we do protecting Canada and North America.”
Having been stationed locally earlier in his career, Oldford was back again in June 2020 when he assumed command of 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron.
Two years later he was posted to the Continental United States NORAD Region at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.
Oldford has also been deployed to Afghanistan and Qatar during his career.
Jolette has served as wing commander since April 2022.
“Being a North Bay native and returning as the Commander of 22 Wing has been an immense honour,” he says. “The dedication and professionalism of our multinational team here has been truly inspiring, and leading such a diverse and skilled group is a privilege beyond measure. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in our NORAD mission. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to both our Canadian and American members for their commitment. North Bay is an extraordinary community to belong to.”
Thursday’s ceremony was presided over by Major General C.A. McKenna, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region.
The new guy has arrived, and handover has commenced! #22Wing will welcome Col Joe Oldford as its new Commander on Thursday, 18 July. //
Le nouveau est arrivé et la transition a commencée! La #22eEscadre accueillera le Col Joe Oldford comme nouveau commandant le jeudi 18 juillet. pic.twitter.com/pXyVzOHCGx
— Colonel Richard Jolette (@JoletteRichard) July 16, 2024
