Command of 437 Transport Squadron was transferred in a unique ceremony today (Tuesday).
Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Eric Willrich took over from LCol Diane Baldasaro at 8 Wing Trenton in a ceremony that followed physical distancing guidlines.
LCol Willrich, a native of southern Brazil, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1993 as a Ships Diver in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves. He transferred to the RCAF in 1997 to follow his true passion of flying, earning his wings in 2001.
LCol Willrich is no stranger at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. In 2010, he was transferred to 429 Transport Squadron to fly the CC-177 Globemaster.
During five years spent with the squadron, he helped fulfill 8 Wing’s mission of delivering indispensable goods, cargo and personnel to Canadian and Allied Forces in conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters throughout the world.
He then spent two years acting as the RCAF Liaison Officer to Latin America providing Canadian representation to the System of Cooperation among the Air Forces of the Americas (SICOFAA).
He was then called back to 8 Wing in 2017 – this time, to the “Huskies” of 437 Squadron.
LCol Willrich says he’s very excited to rejoin the 437 Squadron family as this is an incredible opportunity to serve alongside his brothers and sisters in arms to ensure mission success and live up to the 437 motto, “Omnia Passim” (Anything, Anywhere).
LCol Willrich takes command of the squadron at an interesting time, with their CC-150 Polaris aircraft supporting Operation LASER by providing strategic transport to Canadian Armed Forces members to help Canadians in this trying time.
