On May 4, 2018, Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger assumed command of the Royal Canadian Air Force from Lieutenant-General Mike Hood, who has retired from the Canadian Armed Forces. Following are Lieutenant-General Meinzinger's remarks from the change of command ceremony, held at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
What an incredible moment and fabulous morning to be at this podium at this particular time . . . I'm thrilled! As I look around the room I see so many family members, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Department [of National Defence], close friends, mentors, and supporters of the Air Force.
I am certainly humbled and honoured to be joining this bench of senior leaders here in Ottawa as the new commander of the Air Force; I'm absolutely delighted to be drafted back to the Air Force as the commander – its team captain, if you will – and to have alongside Chief Warrant Officer Gerry Poitras and, soon, Chief Warrant Officer Denis Gaudreault.
In fact, I can't think of a better time to assume the duties and responsibilities that I have as the twentieth commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force.As a member of the Air Force family since birth, it is truly an honour for me to have the privilege of leading the Royal Canadian Air Force at this precise point in its great 94-year history.
I would like to begin by saying “Thank-you” to General Vance for the confidence you have shown in me.
General Vance, it's been a real honour to serve…
Continue Reading This Article At The Canadian Armed Forces Website
