A new chapter for 16 wing unfolds during Honorary Colonel investiture ceremony
On 18 October 2024, CFB Borden celebrated alongside 16 Wing as the unit appointed Honorary Colonel Rory MacKinnon to 16 Wing and said farewell to Honorary Colonel Renee van Kessel who will become the Honorary Colonel of the entire Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
The ceremony was hosted inside of Hangar 11 on CFB Borden: a historical site that was recently converted into a RCAF museum to celebrate the RCAF Centennial as Borden is considered its birthplace.
Beginning the ceremony, HCol van Kessel introduced herself and presented a gift to 16 Wing of a collage painting from artist David Arrigo that captures the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF, including the Ad Astra monument erected on 2 April 2024 on CFB Borden.
“16 Wing is home for me,” HCol van Kessel said. “You hold and will continue to hold in my heart a special place and always be my military home…This is where I came to deeply know the dedication, passion and determination, not to mention humor, kindness and compassion of the members of my headquarters in this wing.”
Following HCol van Kessel’s remarks, reviewing officer and 16 Wing Commander Colonel Gabriel Doré signed the official change of appointment certificate alongside HCol MacKinnon and HCol van Kessel.
Col Doré then addressed the audience and both Honorary Colonels sharing his appreciation for the community partner role that these individuals fill.
“In the RCAF, our Honorary Colonels come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in common,” Col Doré said. “They care deeply for their country and their air force, and they want to serve.”
“Renee,” Col Doré said as he addressed HCol van Kessel, “you will be missed as our Honorary Colonel, but please note that you will always remain a member of the 16 Wing family.”
Col Doré then addressed HCol MacKinnon, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the RCAF Academy and bright future ahead with 16 Wing.
“Your vision, leadership and influence in the community have created a lasting legacy for the RCAF in Borden and your continued advocacy for our members and their families will serve to improve the quality of their service to their country,” Col Doré said.
HCol MacKinnon took to the podium to address the 16 Wing Command Team and guests in attendance, including his friends and family.
“It’s been challenging, and it’s been inspiring,” HCol MacKinnon said. “I feel strongly that the role that the academy plays in developing and mentoring our future leaders in our Air Force is vital because people are so foundational to our modern RCAF.”
HCol MacKinnon presented the wing with a plaque on behalf of all of the Ad Astra monument donors.
“My commitment is to continue to support and evolve the fellowship in 16 Wing so that its members can continue to contribute in a meaningful way to success of the RCAF,” HCol MacKinnon concluded.
