Colonel Joseph Oldford
Colonel Joseph (Joe) Oldford joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1994 as an Infantry Reservist with the 2nd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders (Cape Breton). In 2002, he transferred to the Regular Force as an Aerospace Control Officer. Following completion of initial Aerospace Control Officer training, Col Oldford was assigned to front line control positions within 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron as a Weapons Director and Senior Director, and in support of the Canadian Army as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller.
Col Oldford’s staff appointments include National Tactical Air Control Party Standards Officer within the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, Executive Assistant to the Chief, Fighter Capability Office, Deputy Director of the NORAD Forward Element (Ottawa) and Director of Exercises and Training (A9) at Continental US NORAD Region (CONR) – 1st Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base.
Col Oldford has participated in numerous domestic operations including NORAD Operation NOBLE EAGLE and Operation PODIUM. He has deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan on Operation ATHENA with the 1e Battalion, Royale 22e Regiment Battle Group and to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Operation FOUNDATION as the Deputy Director, Combat Operations Division at the 609th Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC).
Col Oldford has had the privilege of command as the Commanding Officer of 5 Operational Support Squadron at 5 Wing Goose Bay, 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron at 22 Wing North Bay and as the Deputy Commander of the 601st CAOC, Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of New Brunswick, as well as a Master of Science (Mathematics) and a Master of Defense Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Col Oldford shares his life with his wife and best friend Anita Oldford, and their two beautiful daughters, Kandace and Jenna.
On 18 July 2024, Col Oldford assumed command of 22 Wing, CFB North Bay, and the Canadian Air Defence Sector.
