On the 22nd of July 2025 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), 16 Wing conducted their first training Field Mess Dinner for its most junior members.
As stewards of RCAF heritage, 16 Wing has a responsibility to promote, celebrate, and educate our newest members on RCAF customs and traditions. One such tradition is that of a formal mess dinner, and 16 Wing facilitated an opportunity to share this customary practice with its accompanying chaos.
Some highlights include Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Terry Wong, 16 Wing Headquarters’ Commanding Officer attempting to lead a 20-person choir commandeering the famous song, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ by the the Righteous Brothers. The Training Development Officer Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Bailey Jawornicki proudly commented that the Air Force had commandeered a Navy song.
16 Wing Chief Warrant Officer (WCWO) Robert Peldjak, got in on the fun as well with a friendly arm-wrestling match with Avr Kayden Hollins where the WCWO won after a grueling match.
The frivolity during the mess dinner was the highlight, with multiple staff and students imitating the sounds and motion of aircraft, singing, dancing and telling terrible jokes. Overall, feedback from both staff and students was positive. The event met its mission and all who participated had a great time. Will 16 Wing bring back that lovin’ feelin’ in the future due to the success of the event? I would say, “Yes!”
By: WO/Adj Hago Vanayan CD
