WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA – The Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CANR) welcomed its new commander July 11, 2024, during a ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.
Maj.-Gen. Chris McKenna assumed command of CANR as well as 1 Canadian Air Division, Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton from Maj.-Gen. Iain Huddleson. The ceremony was presided over by Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command; Lt.-Gen. Eric Kenny, commander, Royal Canadian Air Force; and Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin, commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command.
“Continuity of command during leader transition ensures stability, maintains mission integrity, and fosters future growth,” Guillot said. “As we farewell Maj.-Gen. Huddleston and welcome Maj.-Gen. McKenna, I have no doubt that the mission of the Canadian NORAD Region has essential stability and CANR will continue to be professionally and expertly led.”
McKenna assumes command after a tour as the Director General Air and Space Force Development, where he played a key role in developing and acquiring many of the new capabilities for the RCAF that the Government of Canada has announced in recent years. This includes the CC-330 Husky Strategic Transport and Tanker Capability, the P-8 Poseidon Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft, and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System capability, among others.
As a CH-146 Griffon and CH-147F Chinook pilot, McKenna previously served as the commander of 1 Wing, the RCAF’s tactical aviation wing. He also served as the Air Task Force commander for the united Nation’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization mission in Mali, and with Canada’s Special Operations Forces. McKenna has commanded at every level of the tactical aviation community, with multiple deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Mali.
“It is truly humbling to be entrusted with the responsibility of commanding 1 Canadian Air Division, Canadian NORAD Region, Joint Force Air Component and Search and Rescue Region Trenton,” he said. “The dedication, professionalism, and courage of the members under my command reflect the very best of the Canadian Armed Forces, and I look forward to working with you as we continue to deliver air power for the Government of Canada.”
During the ceremony, Kenny lauded Huddleston’s leadership during his tenure, and praised the selection of McKenna as the new commander.
“The Royal Canadian Air Force was truly fortunate to have had Maj.-Gen. Huddleston command 1 Canadian Air Division. As his predecessor, I know how challenging this role is, and Maj.-Gen. Huddleston’s service as commander was outstanding,” he said. “I am also very pleased to welcome Maj.-Gen. McKenna to his new command. Having just served as a member of my team in Ottawa, I know he is the right person to lead 1 CAD during this unprecedented period of modernization.”
NORAD is a binational command comprised of United States and Canadian military and civilian personnel, responsible for aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning missions for North America. CANR is one of three NORAD Regions, including Alaskan NORAD Region and Continental U.S. NORAD Region, which receive direction from the commander, and control air operations within their respective areas of responsibilities.