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Command of 437 Transport Squadron was transferred to LCol Eric Willrich from LCol Diane Baldasaro during a unique ceremony that ensured all appropriate physical distancing precautions were observed at 8 Wing Trenton recently.
Willrich, a native of southern Brazil, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1993 as a ships diver in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves. He transferred to the RCAF in 1997 to follow his true passion of flying, earning his wings in 2001.
Willrich is no stranger at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. In 2010, he was transferred to 429 Transport Squadron to fly the CC-177 Globemaster. During five years spent with the squadron, he helped fulfill 8 Wing’s mission of delivering indispensable goods, cargo and personnel to Canadian and Allied Forces in conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters throughout the world. He then spent two years acting as the RCAF liaison officer to Latin America providing Canadian representation to the System of Cooperation among the Air Forces of the Americas (SICOFAA). He was then called back to 8 Wing in 2017 — this time, to the “Huskies” of 437 Squadron.
Willrich takes command of the squadron at an interesting time, with their CC-150 Polaris aircraft supporting Operation Laser by providing strategic transport to Canadian Armed Forces members to help Canadians in this trying time.
“I’m very excited to rejoin the 437 Squadron family. This is an incredible opportunity to serve alongside my brothers and sisters in arms to ensure mission success and live up to the 437 motto, “Omnia Passim” (Anything, Anywhere). I wish LCol Baldasaro all the best and we will continue maintaining the high standard that she has set,” said Willrich.
“It has been my privilege to lead such a diverse and talented group of people. The diversity of 437 Squadron is captured through its inclusion of all CAF elements and its multiple roles. Members of the Army, Navy and Air Force come together to deliver RCAF air power around the globe, and they do so with passion and excitement. We are very much a team, and I genuinely thank each and every member for what they taught me along the way. Eric, you just assumed command of the leading squadron in the RCAF. Enjoy your time,” added Baldasaro.
