What happens around the world, happens to Trenton.
Those are the words of CFB Trenton Wing Commander Colonel Leighton James, as Quinte News discussed the year that was, at 8 Wing.
He says many people thought things would quiet down once the global pandemic ended, however the base continues to be running on all cylinders.
” Then Ukraine kicks off. We have a traditional ground battle going on there. Then cost of living changes, interest rates, and then of course the latest conflict in the Middle East. This takes a toll on our people.”
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Major-General Iain Huddleston (left), Commander 1 Canadian Air Division, presides as Colonel (Col) Leighton James (right) takes command of 8 Wing Trenton during a signing ceremony at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario on October 5, 2023. They are joined by the 8 Wing Trenton Chief Warrant Officer (CWO), CWO Renee Hansen (back right), 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region CWO Daniel Campbell (back left). Photo by: Sailor 1st Class Erin Roberts, 8 Wing Trenton Imagery Technician.
He says it is a time of turmoil right now:
“The world is in a very dangerous place right now. I can’t make policy as the Commander of 8 Wing, but I can tell you that the threats are out there and I think Canadians need to be aware that the threats exist, and we need to respond accordingly.”
On the capital side of things, James commented on how the fleet is holding up:
“There are aircraft that are deteriorating. The H model Herc (Hercules) has been around since the 60s, that’s what we’ve been relying on for Search and Rescue. We have the C130-J (Hercules) which is relatively new that is really the workhorse for the air force, that’s holding up quite well from an air mobility perspective. C-17 (Globemaster), we’ve got five of those and they are doing the strategic side of airlifting across the world, and going into many of these conflicts we’ve talked about. C-150, the Airbus has been active in Tel Aviv (Israel). This was a very rewarding mission for many of the people who fly the Airbus.”
It was announced in 2023 that Canada would be getting some new planes as well:
“Trenton was announced as the hub for the C330, which is the variant of the Airbus. So we’re going to get nine of those. One of those is going to be a V.I.P. version, which is already in service. The remaining will be tankers to do the air-to-air role, fulfill roles for NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) as well as overseas. So there’s a lot of stuff coming.”
He says 8 Wing is the hub to move people and material around the world. Colonel James also pointed out the great work of the men and women in Search and Rescue. He says people never see these people, until they need them most.
There are currently more than 100 people from 8 Wing working around the world on Canada’s behalf.
(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
