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Honorary Colonel Laurie Hawn, the new honorary colonel of 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron, addresses squadron members deployed on Operation Impact in Kuwait, during his investiture ceremony on Jan. 10, 2016. DND Photo
The flags flew proudly under the bright sunlight on the morning of Jan. 10, 2016, while the troops started forming up in the most shaded area of the flight line in Kuwait.
As the master of ceremonies announced the beginning of the investiture ceremony to formally welcome Honorary Colonel Laurie Hawn to 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron, the parade commander found himself obliged to postpone his first words of command until the roar of the CF-188 Hornets’ engines vanished in the distance.
The newly-reactivated squadron, based in 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta., is currently deployed on Operation Impact, Canada’s contribution to international efforts to support the security forces in the Republic of Iraq. As a result, squadron personnel traded the cold Alberta winter for the much warmer Kuwait temperatures for the unusual investiture ceremony.
“It’s great to get out of Edmonton in the middle of January and to come and spend some time with you in Kuwait,” said Honorary Colonel Hawn during his speech. “It is a privilege to serve in this new capacity.”
The Royal Canadian Air Force traditionally nominates honorary colonels for its wings and squadrons. These distinguished Canadian citizens look after their assigned formation in a mentorship capacity, fostering esprit de corps in order to maintain strong team cohesion.
“I’m proud to be with you today and I truly envy you and the work that you are performing here,” added the retired fighter pilot. “You are performing a critical function along with the rest of this Air Task Force. “Be proud of what you are doing because Canada is proud of you. I look forward to spending more time with you back home – and thank you for including me in your family.”
