Lieutenant–Colonel James Hawthorne assumes Command of 12 Wing Shearwater

July 4, 2013 · 0 Comments

Lieutenant-Colonel James Hawthorne officially assumed command of 12 Wing Shearwater from Colonel Ian Lightbody during a formal ceremony held at the Sea King Club 21 June, 2013.

The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier-General Gordon Reid, Deputy Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division.

“This is truly a bittersweet day,” said Brigadier-General Reid. “On one hand we say good bye to an outstanding leader in Colonel Lightbody while on the other hand we’re welcoming the future leadership of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Colonel Lightbody’s stewardship of 12 Wing has been a stewardship of the maritime helicopter community if you look at what he has accomplished during his tenure. As for Lieutenant-Colonel Hawthorne, the leadership of the RCAF has every confidence and faith that you will succeed and excel as Wing Commander.”

Colonel Lightbody will be deploying to Afghanistan in July as a senior advisor in Kabul. “I’d like to thank Brigadier-General Reid and the leadership of the Air Division for the opportunity to command 12 Wing,” said Colonel Lightbody. “I would also like to thank the men and women of 12 Wing with whom I’ve had the honour and privilege to work with. Working with you day to day is what I will miss most. I would also like to congratulate Lieutenant-Colonel Hawthorne on the opportunity to command 12 Wing.”

Prior to assuming command, Lieutenant-Colonel Hawthorne served as the Wing’s Operations Officer. “Thank you Colonel Lightbody for building and guiding a great team at the Wing,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Hawthorne. “I plan to continue this success and challenge the 12 Wing team. As Wing Commander, my goal is to create and lead a successful team of mission-oriented future leaders who will seize opportunities and meet challenges head on.”

12 Wing Shearwater is one of the oldest military airfields in Canada and the centre of naval aviation in Canada. 12 Wing’s operational activities have historically been linked with defence of the air and sea approaches to Atlantic Canada. 12 Wing is currently undergoing a transformation and will be heavily involved in the introduction of the CH148 Cyclone.