OTTAWA -- Command of Canada's Air Force will officially change during a ceremony to be held at the Canada Aviation Museum Monday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, who was born in Toronto and grew up in Winnipeg, will succeed Lieutenant-General Ken Pennie as the Commander of Air Command and Chief of the Air Staff. Lt.-Gen. Pennie has held this appointment since July 18, 2003, and is retiring after nearly 39 years of distinguished service to Canada. General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff, will preside over the transfer of leadership. A 50-person Honour Guard and Colour Party will be provided by 8 Wing Trenton, with music from the Canadian Forces Central Band and a Pipe Major from the Air Command Pipes and Drums. In recognition of Lt.-Gen. Pennie's close affiliation with helicopters and Army aviation during his career, a flypast will be performed by four CH-146 Griffon Helicopters from 438 Squadron St. Hubert, 400 Squadron Borden, and 403 Squadron Gagetown. Lt.-Gen. Lucas joined the Canadian Forces in 1969 as an Air Navigator and has served in key positions in Edmonton, Goose Bay, Ottawa and Winnipeg, where he was the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. Media are invited to cover the change of command ceremony and should be in position no later than 1:00 p.m. Media photographers and videographers will be permitted to move freely to gather images of the parade and ceremony on a non-interference basis. A media opportunity with Lt.-Gen. Lucas will be held immediately following the ceremony. -30- Note to Editors: Media planning to attend are requested to contact Captain Jim Hutcheson at 613-995-6977, and to check in at the media registration desk upon arrival at the Canada Aviation Museum. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place inside the new hangar at the museum. For media outside of Ottawa, telephone interviews with Lt.-Gen. Lucas may be arranged by contacting the National Defence Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353. Additional information may be found on the Air Force web site: http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca.
