COLD LAKE - On July 25, Col. Mark Hickey formally accepted command of 4 Wing Cold Lake during a Change of Command ceremony held at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake.
The ceremony was presided over by Brigadier-General Paul Doyle, Deputy Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg. The event was attended by family, friends, defence team members, and dignitaries.
“Leading 4 Wing over the past two years has been the most profound honour of my career,” said outgoing 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander, Col. Dave Turenne. “Despite the demanding responsibilities as Canada's busiest fighter Wing, our exceptional team has consistently achieved success. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working alongside such extraordinary individuals. I will sincerely miss Cold Lake.”
Hickey expressed his excitement about returning to Cold Lake, saying, “It is a privilege to be back in Cold Lake and rejoin the 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake team. I am grateful to be reunited with such a dedicated group of professionals, who work diligently every day to uphold and protect our national interests and values.”
He added, “It is an exciting time in the RCAF right now, and I look forward to working with our team to maintain and expand CF-18 combat capability while we prepare to transition to the CF-35.”
City of Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland welcomed Hickey to his new role.
“The changing of the Wing Command is one of the most significant events that takes place in our city every two or so years. The City of Cold Lake council and administration have a tremendous working relationship with each wing commander. We were so fortunate to work with Col. Turenne and wish him and his family all the best.”
Copeland added, “We look forward to working with the new Wing Commander, Col. Mark Hickey, and welcome him and his family back to our city.”
Hickey assumes command of 4 Wing and Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake as the 32nd Wing Commander. He has served in various command, flying, and staff roles throughout his career. Most notably, he served as the Deputy Commander of the 601st Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, according to information from 4 Wing.
After two years as the 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake Commander, Turenne is taking on a new challenge as A5 and A7 at the 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg.
Turenne expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve at Cold Lake.
