The 552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (Cranbrook) will be hosting a Change of Command Parade on Tuesday, April 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

After three years, Captain Lori-Lee Bott will be handing the command of 552 Squadron over to Captain Dorothy Palmer. This symbolic parade will take place in the sanctuary of Newlife Four Square Church, #308-10th Ave. S., Cadets march on at 6:30 p.m.

The Change of Command Ceremony is deeply rooted in Military tradition, predating the Norman Conquest of England. History reveals that in the Middle Ages it was not uncommon for the soldiers in the field to be unaware of who their commanders were or what they looked like. The formal change of command afforded these troops an opportunity to witness the proceedings and actually see their commanders.

Today the primary purpose of a change of command parade is to allow subordinates to witness the formality of a command change, form one officer to another. The ceremony is simple and direct. The Cadet Ensign will be passed from the outgoing commanding officer, to Regional Cadet Support Unit Representative, to the Air Cadet League Representative, to the Incoming commanding officer. They will then sign the scrolls making the change official.

More than 30 cadets will be on parade, (many of them quite new to the cadet program) demonstrating the skills and training they have received thus far. There will be a few fitness badges and promotions presented to the cadets. Following parade there will be a slide show featuring the “staff” and what they have done over the years, along with refreshments.

The squadron is also looking for new staff members to assist with the administration, training and supervision of cadets. Adults aged 19-55 who are interested in providing a dynamic, structured and engaging program to youth in Cranbrook are encouraged to contact Major Kevin Debiasio at [email protected] or Captain Lori-Lee Bott [email protected] for more information.

The Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets are national programs for youth ages 12 to18, which aim to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. The programs are community based and require local adult leaders in order to be successful.
CIC Officers are dedicated members of the community who work with youth in their spare time by providing them with a dynamic and structured program. Training and pay are provided but CIC Officers are not required to deploy overseas or be operational members of the Canadian Armed Forces. They are community youth leaders, making a difference at home.

• Cranbrook Flight, 266 Kimberley Squadron earned its charter Feb 12, 2009 & became 552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron;
• April 2009 Change of Command – Captain Gordon Mudie outgoing CO, Captain Rob Bott incoming CO;
• April 2015 Change of Command – Captain Rob Bott outgoing CO, Captain Lori-Lee Bott incoming CO;
• April 2018 Change of Command – Captain Lori-Lee Bott outgoing CO, Captain Dorothy Palmer incoming CO.

A three-year term is the preferred length for a Commander. Captain Bott will assume the Training Officer position

“I became involved in the air cadet program in 2003 when my son joined. I continue my involvement because I am passionate about helping young people. I have witnessed the positive changes that the program can have on youth and am proud to assist,” said Captain Bott.

Canadian Cadet Organizations website www.cadets.gc.ca

Lead image: L-R Captain Palmer and Captain Bott were presented with Bomber Command Poster, from Volunteer Instructor Mr. Suddards, who served in one of the Squadrons. Photo submitted

Department of National Defence/Regional Cadet Support Unit (Pacific)

Article Share