Former resident of Sault, appointed RCAF Squadron Leader

Lt. Col. Stephen Thompson was appointed Commanding Officer at a ceremony in Yellowknife, NWT

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and now part of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt. Col. (LCol) Stephen Thompson was officially appointed Commander of the RCAF’s 440 Transport Squadron at a ceremony in Yellowknife, NWT earlier today.

Lt. Col. Thompson is also a graduate of Sault College’s aviation program.

The following is a full announcement from the RCAF regarding the promotion of LCCol Thompson:

“I am excited to be the Commanding Officer of 440 Transport Squadron and look forward to maintaining the high standard that Lieutenant Colonel Paquette has set during his time here. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to call Yellowknife home, both as part of 440 Squadron and as part of Joint Task Force North, and I look forward to continuing to serve Canadians in the North in my new role.” – Lt. Col. Stephen Thompson , Commanding Officer, 440 Transport Squadron

“Commanding the Vampires of 440 Transport Squadron has been the greatest honor and privilege of my career. Our small team punched above its weight providing transport of personnel and equipment in support of Canadians in the North and in response to numerous requests for help from the provinces. Thank you to the members of 440 Squadron for your tireless efforts during my tenure and best of luck to LCCk Thompson. – Lt. Col. Devlon Paquette, outgoing Commanding Officer, 440 Transport Squadron

Fast facts

• 440 Squadron’s tasks include airlift, support and liaison flights in support of the Canadian Armed Forces in the North, including support of the Canadian Rangers.
• Like all flying squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 440 Squadron can conduct search and rescue missions when requested by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres. They also conduct free-fall parachute operations, delivery of cargo to troops in the field, and fishing patrols on Great Slave Lake.
• 440 Squadron operates four of the renowned Canadian designed and built CC-138 Twin Otters to perform the wide range of missions. The squadron operates these rugged aircraft in some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet and is the only formation unit of the RCAF to be based full-time in the North.
• The squadron consists of approximately 55 members who are a mix of regular and reserve force members. In addition to conventional airport operations, the squadron maintains the capability to conduct “off-airport” operations on skis in the winter and on tundra tires in the summer.