The 51 Aerospace Control and Warning (Operational Training) Squadron Change of Command took place today and CFB North Bay has its first woman commander.

(Front Row) The In-coming Commander, Major Brenda Tinsley (left), Out-going Commander, Major Shawn Guilbault (right) and Presiding Officer, Colonel Henrik Smith (centre) at the official signing ceremony. (Rear Row) Master Warrant Officer Charles Rice, Chief Warrant Officer John Short, and Master Warrant Officer Jamie Rideout. Image by: Corporal Joseph Morin.

1 / 1 (Front Row) The In-coming Commander, Major Brenda Tinsley (left), Out-going Commander, Major Shawn Guilbault (right) and Presiding Officer, Colonel Henrik Smith (centre) at the official signing ceremony. (Rear Row) Master Warrant Officer Charles Rice, Chief Warrant Officer John Short, and Master Warrant Officer Jamie Rideout. Image by: Corporal Joseph Morin.

The 51 Aerospace Control and Warning (Operational Training) Squadron Change of Command took place today and CFB North Bay has its first woman commander.

Major Shawn Guilbault officially relinquished command of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning (Operational Training) Squadron to Major Brenda Tinsley.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to take command of 51 Aerospace Control & Warning (Operational Training) Squadron," said Tinsley, incoming Commanding Officer, 21 AC&W Squadron ‘A’ Flight Commander Squadron. "This squadron holds a fundamental role in NORAD, using the highly trained officers and NCMs to train the future control and surveillance experts of the RCAF. I wish Shawn good luck in the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Shrivenham, United Kingdom.’’

Colonel Henrik Smith, 22 Wing Commander and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander, presided over the ceremony which was witnessed by members of 51 AC&W (OT) Sqn, 22 Wing and local dignitaries.

“Major Shawn Guilbault's exceptional drive and determination has ensured that the important mission of training members of the Canadian Air Defence Sector, 22 Wing/CFB North Bay, has been flawlessly executed throughout his tenure as commanding officer. NORAD has received a great service in his quest to institutionalize the aerospace training within 51 Squadron; a no fail mission to continually develop and train new controllers keeping CADS operationally effective."

Guilbault says it has been a privilege to command.

"The Jaegers are some of the most dedicated and hard-working operators, instructors, and aviators I have had the honour of working with – the future of the RCAF is in good hands! Maj. Tinsley brings a wealth of battle management and training systems experience to the fight; she will be an excellent fit and I wish her all the best.”

The squadron’s primary mandate is occupational and trade training for Aerospace Control Officers and Aerospace Control Operators in 12 different positional qualifications or certifications, training nearly 200 operators annually. Additionally, 51 Squadron is tasked to provide readiness training (first aid, small arms, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence) for all wing members.