LCol Steven Thompson was appointed commander in a ceremony in Yellowknife, NWT
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and now part of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel (LCol) Steven Thompson was officially appointed officer in command of the RCAF 440 Transport Squadron at a ceremony in Yellowknife, NWT today.
LCol Thompson is also a graduate of the Sault College aviation program.
The following is a full RCAF statement on the promotion of LCol Thompson:
“I am delighted to be the commander of the 440 Transport Squadron and hope to maintain the high standard that Lieutenant Colonel Paquette set during his stay here. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of calling Yellowknife at home, as much as part of the 440 Squadron and Joint Task Force North, and I look forward to continuing to serve Northern Canadians in my new role. ” – Lieutenant Colonel Steven Thompson, commanding officer, 440 Transport Squadron
“Commanding the ‘Vampires’ of the 440 Transport Squadron has been the greatest honor and privilege of my career. Our small team has been far above its weight, providing personnel and equipment transportation in support of the Northern Canadians and in response to multiple provincial requests for assistance. Thank you to the members of 440 Squadron for your tireless efforts during my tenure and good luck to LCol Thompson. ” – Lieutenant Colonel Devlon Paquette, outgoing commander, 440 Transport Squadron
Quick facts
- The tasks of 440 Squadron include air transportation, utility and liaison flights in support of the Canadian Armed Forces to the north, including support for the Canadian Rangers.
- Like all Royal Canadian Air Force flying squadrons, the 440 Squadron can conduct search and rescue missions upon request by joint rescue coordination centers. They also conduct free fall operations with live parachutes, deliver cargo to troops in the field and fishing patrols on Great Slave Lake.
- The 440 Squadron operates four of the famous CC-138 Twin Otters designed and produced in Canada to carry out its wide range of tasks. The Squadron operates these rugged aircraft in some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet and is the only RCAF-trained unit based full-time in the north.
- The Squadron consists of approximately 55 members who are a mix of members of the Regular Force and the Reserve Force. In addition to conventional airport operations, the Squadron maintains the ability to conduct “off-airport” operations with skis in the winter and with tundra tires in the summer.