CFB Trenton's 429 Squadron changes hands

By Linda Horn

TRENTON ONT (24/06/2011) Outgoing 429 Squadron commander Lieutenant Colonel Iain Huddleson, watches as Trenton's base commander Colonel Dave Cochrane passes the colours to the squadron's new commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jason Stark. The passing of the colours is a symbolic ceremony held to say goodbye to a commanding officer and to welcome the new one. The ceremony was held at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.

Bringing supplies and equipment home from Afghanistan will be one the main tasks of 429 Squadron’s new commanding officer.

Canadian Forces Base Trenton’s 429 Squadron, also known as the Bisons, held a symbolic passing of the colours and signing of the change of command certificate ceremony last Friday.

The squadron said goodbye to current commanding officer Lieutant Colonel Iain Huddleston and welcomed new commanding officer Lieutant Colonel Jason Stark.

Base commander Colonel Dave Cochrane presided over the ceremony. Highlights of the afternoon included special guests and speeches.

“Today 429 stands ready to pull Canada’s troops and equipment out of Afghanistan. Over 10 years of equipment and supplies have collected in that country, much of it needs to come home in the next 6 months,” said Huddleston in his speech to the crowd.

Cochrane, Huddleston and Stark also participated in the “passing of the colours” where the squadron’s flag is handed from the outgoing commanding officer to the base commander and presented to the new commanding officer.

Huddleston told the crowd it was a difficult day for him. He said he was filled with pride with what the squadron has achieved in the past two years in his command, including lifting over four billion pounds of supplies to earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

The Bisons are Trenton’s air transport squadron. They fly a variety of aircraft including  the CC-177 Globemaster. The Bisons perform many types of air transport jobs including delivering humanitarian aide and providing supplies for Canadian troops around the world.

“Trenton stands at the center of almost every mission the Canadian Forces takes on,” said Huddleston.

During his speech, Cochrane told the crowd he was very proud of how Huddleston handled his two years as the squadron’s commanding officer.

“Demands on you and your squadron were extremely high but the results were truly impressive,” said Cochrane.

Cochrane also told the audience that Stark will bring a wealth of expertise with his previous air mobility postings.

“Enjoy your two years of command,” said Cochrane.