Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 436 Transport Squadron welcomed their new Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) James Brown, and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Philippe Cousineau in a parade held at 8 Wing Trenton today.
LCol James Brown assumes his position from LCol Andy Bowser who has commanded 436 Squadron for the past two years.
Lieutenant-Colonel James Brown is joined by Colonel Ryan Deming, 8 Wing Commander, as he takes command of 436 Transport Squadron from Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Bowser during a signing ceremony at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario on July 17, 2020. (Photo: Private Natasha Punt)
LCol Brown joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996 as a Navigator and began his career with 436 Squadron in 1999. During his career he has also spent time with 426 Training Squadron and 412 Squadron in Ottawa, all as part of the 8 Wing family. As a Navigator, he deployed during Operation APOLLO Rotation 0 as well as Operation ATHENA. Following his transfer to Pilot in 2010, he also deployed for Operation IMPACT – Cyprus and with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA), both again as Rotation 0.
Following completion of Joint Command and Staff College this past year, LCol Brown returns to 436 Squadron as the Commanding Officer.
LCol Brown says he knows the men and women of 436 Squadron take pride in getting the job done and he looks forward to maintaining the high standard that Lieutenant-Colonel Bowser set during his time here.
CWO Philippe Cousineau assumes his position from CWO Dany Flamand who has been the 436 Squadron Chief Warrant Officer for the past two years.
Outgoing 436 Transport Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Dany Flamand transfers appointment to Chief Warrant Officer Philippe Cousineau during a Change of Appointment ceremony at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario on July 17, 2020. (Photo: Private Natasha Punt.)
CWO Cousineau started his career in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1996 as a Vehicle Technician before transferring to Aviation Systems Technician and a subsequent posting to 8 Wing Trenton. During his time there, he deployed in support of Operation APOLLO and Operation ATHENA.
CWO Cousineau earned his current rank in 2019 and recently completed the Non-Commissioned Members Executive Professional Development Program at Royal Military College of Canada.
CWO Cousineau says he is eager to get to know 436 Transport Squadron and continue the tradition of excellence that Chief Warrant Officer Flamand has established during his tenure.
Tactical flying is an important part of 436 Transport Squadron’s role. The skills associated with aerial delivery of troops and equipment by parachute or delivery of humanitarian aid to isolated and austere locations are an important facet of Canada’s contribution and support for operations, including NATO and United Nations missions.
436 Transport Squadron flies the CC-130J Hercules, the workhorse of the Royal Canadian Air Force transport fleet.
436 Transport Squadron was formed in India during the Second World War late in 1944. Equipped with the C-47 Dakota, the Squadron’s role was to supply troops and materiel to the Allied 14th Army in Burma. Their badge features an elephant carrying a tree trunk, symbolizing its function and history.
Currently, members of 436 Squadron are serving around the world in places like Iraq as part of OP IMPACT, and supporting OP PRESENCE in Uganda through the provision of tactical airlift capabilities.
