**** DND Release
Royal Canadian Air Force welcomes new Commander
This morning, Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny assumed command of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger. The ceremony was presided over by General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario.
Lieutenant-General Kenny takes command as the 21st Commander of the RCAF. He has served in a myriad of roles throughout his career, on the flight line, in staff and command roles, and while deployed on operations. He most recently served as the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD region.
The outgoing commander, Lieutenant-General Meinzinger, has served as Commander of the RCAF since 2018, and will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) after 37 years of distinguished service.
The RCAF defends and protects Canadian and North American airspace in partnership with the United States, supports military operations at home and abroad, is responsible for the National Search and Rescue Program, force generates air and space-related capabilities for military operations, and delivers training and education to members of the RCAF.
Quick Facts
- The RCAF fulfills a variety of roles within the CAF and National Defence, with approximately 11,300 Regular Force, 2,000 Reserve Force and 1,500 civilian Defence Team personnel.
- The Commander of the RCAF, who also serves as Chief of the Air Staff, is the senior Air Force officer in the CAF, located at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. They act as an advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff on matters regarding air and space military capabilities to meet Canada’s defence objectives.
- April 1, 2024 marks 100 years of service for the RCAF as an independent entity. Centennial celebrations will focus on three key themes: Your Air Force’s heritage, Your Air Force today, and Your Air Force tomorrow.
