North Bay names its new commander of 22 Wing/CFB North Bay
There’s a new commanding officer for 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base and the Canadian Air Defence sector in North Bay.
Outgoing wing commander Col. Mark Lachapelle officially relinquished power to his successor in a Friday morning ceremony with a stroke of a pen.
"I’m definitely going to miss it here. Especially all the great people," Lachapelle said.
“This is an amazing community. It’s a family and I’m so happy to have been part of it.”
Lachapelle assumed command in July, 2019 becoming the longest-serving commander at the base.
During his tenure, Lachapelle said he was helped by his team, family, and the community in dealing with the pandemic in the last two years.
"We went through something that has never really been done before and to just have that sense of pride and community that supports the mission is phenomenal," he said.
Lachapelle will travel to Alabama where he’s enrolled in Air War College with his counterparts in the United States Air Force (USAF).
“We will learn about the strategic level of government and the military and understand how those pieces all work together.” Essentially how the government and military work with other agencies when it comes to national security.”
North Bay native Col. Richard Jolette assumes duties with experience as a weapons commander after completing training in 2003. He also served at CFB Bagotville, Quebec.
“It brings me back to my childhood and beginnings in the Canadian armed forces.”
“I love sitting on the scope with young aviators. I see myself in them. The tools that they have now just blows my mind," said Jolette
In 2018, Jolette took over command of the 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron, overseeing North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations before being promoted to colonel last year.
The base is looking to modernize operations with a good share of the recently announced $8 billion in federal funding to go towards upgrading technology and equipment within NORAD.
"From what we've heard from the federal minister, it could be significant financially with new capacities and possibilities that are able to come online," said Jolette.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.