Changing of the guard at 15 Wing Moose Jaw

It was a passing of the torch as a new commander took charge of 15 Wing Moose Jaw following a swearing-in ceremony Friday.

On a breezy afternoon on the air base’s hot tarmac, outgoing commander Colonel Denis O’Reilly handed the reins over to Colonel Ron Walker.

Reilly is jetting off to Winnipeg with his family after serving as commander of the Moose Jaw air base for three years.

Reviewing Officer Brigadier-General Mario Leblanc and newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty also presided over the event in front of dozens of family and friends.

Originally from Moose Jaw, O’Reilly was a respected member of the community and said he was proud to serve his local air base. Moose Jaw Mayor Fraser Tolmie is a personal friend of O’Reilly’s and said he valued the work he has done for the community.

Walker is originally from Windsor, N.S., but is no stranger to Moose Jaw and its air base.

Walker’s first posting was to 15 Wing after he joined the air force.

“It’s been a great experience to be back in Saskatchewan. I had my old driver’s license number, they just gave it right back,” he said. “It’s quite a moving experience walking in downtown Moose Jaw once again.”

Although Walker’s work may have just started, he already has goals in mind for his role as commander.

“We’ve been charged through the Canadian Forces to increase pilot production because we’re a bit short,” he explained.

The newly minted commander didn’t specify as to why numbers might be down but is confident he can increase pilot production moving forward.

15 Wing is perhaps most famous for housing the Snowbirds, the aerobatics team over which Walker now presides. He said he’s excited for the opportunity to host the anniversary of the famous squadron next year.

After the ceremony was all said and done, though, Walker said being commander is a dream come true.

“It’s one of the highlights I think of any officer’s career to become a wing commander,” he said.

“It’s excited to be back working with airplanes everyday … it’s like getting back on your bike in the spring.”

15 Wing traces its roots to the Second World War when the Moose Jaw Flying Club was replaced by the British Commonwealth Air Training Program, and along with it the construction of 15 Wing.