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Air Force delays installation of base commander amid investigation into pilot meeting

Aug 29, 2022 | 1:07 PM

OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Air Force is delaying plans to install a new commander at one of the country’s two CF-18 fighter jet bases due to a military police investigation.

A ceremony was planned for Tuesday to install Col. Colin Marks as commander of 3 Wing in Bagotville, Que.

But Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Eric Kenny says those plans are on hold as police investigate an alleged incident at Canada’s other main CF-18 base, 4 Wing in Cold Lake, Alta., in June.

Kenny in a statement says investigators are looking into comments allegedly made during what he described as “small” meeting designed to choose call signs, or nicknames, for fighter pilots.

Kenny says multiple individuals were present for the meeting, but he would not provide further details, citing a need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Marks could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Canadian military says support services have been offered to individuals affected by the alleged incident.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2022.

The Canadian Press