Canada’s largest air base has a new man at the helm.
On Wednesday morning at the Parade Square at 8 Wing, a Change of Command ceremony took place.
Colonel (Andy) J.A Bowser replaces Colonel (Leighton) L.L. James as Wing Commander, while the new Chief Warrant Officer is (Andy) A.R. Sargent, taking over for (Renee) R.J. Hansen.
Colonel James and his family will be returning to Ottawa, after their 10-month placement in Trenton (replacing Lief Dalh), while Hansen is set to become the RCAF Command Chief Warrant Officer.
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Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division Chris Mckenna hands the Wing Commander’s Pennant to Colonel Leighton James. (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Colonel Andy Bowser grew up in Ottawa and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2001. He was at 8 Wing from 2007-2015, where he flew on the Hercules E, H, and J models. In that time in Trenton he went from the rank of Lieutenant to Major.
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Newly minted CFB Trenton Commander Colonel Andy Bowser (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Bowser praised outgoing Wing Commander Colonel Leighton James.
“What happens in the world directly impacts 8 Wing Trenton. You’ve met that call in every instance of that. The wing is responsible for a massive portfolio in RCAF operations and from what I can tell, you’ve thrived in one of the Air Force’s most demanding and challenging positions at this rank level.”
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Chief Warrant Officer Andy Sargent, also from Ottawa, joined the CAF in 1997. In 1998, he was posted to the Aerospace Telecommunications Engineering and Support Squadron in Trenton. He also was posted to Trenton in 2019 for a year-long French course and again in 2022 for the CWO position for the Aerospace Warfare Centre.
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CFB Trenton CWO Andy Sargent (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
CWO Sargent says CFB Trenton holds close the hearts of many.
“As I stand before you today, I am deeply honoured and humbled to assume the role of Wing Chief Warrant Officer for 8 Wing CFB Trenton. A place I have considered home for the last 28 years, having been posted here four different times.”
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The Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, Major-General Chris McKenna presided over the ceremony and gave great for praise the new commander. He says he is no stranger to Trenton.
” Welcome back to 8 Wing. Your family never really left, but you did. Having spent many years here flying and leading 436 Squadron, and with your spouse Captain Kayla Bowser, working here at the RCAF Advanced Warfare Centre, it’s a true homecoming for you.”
Outgoing Commander Leighton James was emotional when he acknowledged the sacrifice his family has given to his career and to the Royal Canadian Air Force. He spoke highly of the support from his wife Amy.
“Your steadfast love is what has kept me going. You’ve encouraged me through the deepest valleys and celebrated our great successes. You’ve taught me how to be social, you’ve taught me how to be humble, and you’ve loved me beyond measure.”
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Colonel Leighton James speaks at the Change of Command ceremony (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Outgoing Chief Warrant Officer Renee Hansen served in the position for just under two years. Hansen praised “her Wing Commander (Leighton James)” as she calls him.
“To say it’s been a whirlwind would be an understatement. These two years have been two of the most fulfilling and equally challenging years of my career. We have faced some significant ups and downs together. Working together to build a strong community around us.”
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Steve Hansen (husband of outgoing CWO Renee Hansen), with 8 Wing Honorary Colonel Julie Lange (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Renee Hansen is set to become the RCAF Command Chief Warrant Officer (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
The Wing Commander Pennant of Colonel Leighton James is lowered. (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division Major-General Chris Mckenna. (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
(back row l-r) Chief Warrant Officer for 1 Canadian Air Division Dan Campbell, Incoming Chief Warrant Officer for CFB Trenton Andy Sargent, Outgoing CWO for Trenton Renee Hansen, (front row l-r) new CFB Trenton Wing Commander Andy Bowser, 1 Canadian Air Division Commander Major-General Chris Mckenna and outgoing 8 Wing Commander Colonel Leighton James in the Change of Command Signing. (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Brigadier- General Ryan Deming (former 8 Wing Commander) and outgoing CFB Trenton Wing Commander Colonel Leighton James, with newly minted CWO for 1 Canadian Air Division Renee Hansen (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Colonel Leighton James speaks at the Change of Command ceremony (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
8 Wing Honorary Colonel Julie Lange and CWO Renee Hansen (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
A fly past by a pair of Hercules completes the celebrations at the Change of Command Ceremony on Wednesday July 17, 2024. (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
