There is a new Commander for 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region/Joint Force Air Component/Search and Rescue Region Trenton
Major-General (MGen) Chris McKenna assumed command Thursday from Major-General Iain Huddleston at a ceremony at 17 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.
Major-General McKenna assumes command after 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 that the Government of Canada has announced in recent years, 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.
As a CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook pilot, he previously served as the Commander of 1 Wing, the RCAF’s tactical aviation Wing; as the Air Task Force Commander for the United Nation’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali; and with Canada’s Special Operations Forces. He has commanded at every level of the tactical aviation community, with multiple deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan and Mali.
“The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was truly fortunate to have had Major-General (MGen) Huddleston command 1 Canadian Air Division (1CAD). 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.”
Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
“Continuity of command during leader transition ensures stability, maintains mission integrity, and fosters future growth. As we farewell 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.”
General Gregory M. Guillot, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command
“The Joint Force Air Component Commander is one of the most challenging command roles in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). During Major-General (MGen) Huddleston’s time in command, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) 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.”
Lieutenant-General Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“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. 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.”
Major-General Chris McKenna, incoming Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component Commander, and Commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton
“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 Major-General McKenna.”
Major-General Iain Huddleston, outgoing Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component Commander, and Commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton
