New commander takes the helm at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in North Bay

There were a lot of emotions at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in North Bay on Thursday morning.

Col. Richard Jolette passed the reigns of wing commander to Col. Joe Oldford in a change-of-command ceremony.

There was a final parade and salute for Jolette, who spent two years in charge and had five postings in North Bay.

“It’s crazy to think that my time as 22 Wing commander has come to an end,” he said in a speech to the crowd of dignitaries, military members and guests.

Jolette assumed command in 2022. The North Bay native reflected on his rare opportunity to lead a base in his hometown.

“This will likely be the end of my time here,” he said.

Jolette recalled welcoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Bill Blair to the base, attending countless Armed Forces Day celebrations and overseeing the NORAD modernization project.

He credited the support of the crew for supporting him every step of the way.

“You have performed admirably,” he said. “Keep up the great work.”

Col. Richard Jolette passed the reigns of wing commander to Col, Joe Oldford in a change-of-command ceremony at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in North Bay on Thursday morning. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

Col. Richard Jolette passed the reigns of wing commander to Col, Joe Oldford in a change-of-command ceremony at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base in North Bay on Thursday morning. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)Instead of getting into a vehicle and speeding off, he strapped a helmet on and scootered his way into the horizon with the crowd laughing, cheering and waving.

The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Chris McKenna, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region.

“Today's ceremony marks a significant milestone for 22 Wing and Canadian Forces Base North Bay," McKenna said.

"Col. Jolette's leadership has been instrumental in upholding our mission to safeguard Canada and North America ... His dedication and service have set a high standard for all. I warmly welcome Col. Oldford, whose extensive expertise and leadership will undoubtedly enhance and elevate this tradition of excellence. I firmly believe that 22 Wing remains in capable hands.”

For Oldford, the new commander, it’s his third time posted in North Bay.

He joined the Armed Forces in 1994 and assumed command of 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron at 22 Wing in June 2020. Oldford also held the position of director of operations of the Canadian Air Defence Sector.

He was made a colonel in September 2022 and moved to the Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City Beach, Fla. He was posted to the Continental United States NORAD Region as the 1st Air Force A9 Director.

Following six months in position, he was cross-posted to the CONR 601st CAOC as the Deputy Commander.

Being a wing commander has been his dream.

Col. Joe Oldford joined the Armed Forces in 1994 and assumed command of 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron at 22 Wing in June 2020. Oldford also held the position of director of operations of the Canadian Air Defence Sector. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

“I remember being here as 2nd Lt, the very first officer rank,” Oldford said.

“Having met the wing commander, I was thinking that would be a place to get to. I was really hoping to and not thinking I could actually get there. There’s no (more) motivated, talented or committed team than the team here at 22 Wing.”

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Despite the change of personnel, 22 Wing’s mission of airspace warning, control and defence will not change, but the mechanisms and tools at the military’s disposal continue to advance and modernize when it comes to aircraft surveillance.

“We’re really looking forward to that, particularly the new command and control system. We’re currently in the in initial operation capability and it’s a real game changer,” Oldford told reporters.

North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico had a moment to welcome Oldford back to the city and told reporters the citizens have a unique relationship with 22 Wing. It’s a relationship, he said, that not many cities have.

“The community of 22 Wing, they’ve always been part of our North Bay community. They coach hockey, soccer and volunteer in so many ways,” Chirico said.

As Oldford looks to lead 22 Wing into the future, he knows a daunting job lies ahead. But it’s one he’s prepared his whole life for.