News Release

Canadian Forces Opens New Centre of Excellence in Trenton

CAS NR 05.003 - October 25, 2005

8 WING TRENTON – A new centre of excellence which will transform the way air power is employed in a more integrated Canadian Forces was opened here today by Lieut.-Gen. Steve Lucas, the Commander of Air Command and Chief of the Air Staff. The new Canadian Forces (CF) Aerospace Warfare Centre will be the engine of change for the Air Force, providing it with a focal point for the development of new capabilities and the enhancement of existing ones.

“Call it a think-tank,” said Col. Jim Cottingham, the new unit's Commanding Officer. “We will develop new ways of doing things and new approaches to the old ways, all with the aim of preparing our Air Force members and leaders for future operations. The world has changed, the way the Canadian Forces operates has changed, and so the way we deliver air power is changing too.”

“This is the beginning of a new era and an important step in the development and implementation of the transformation of the Air Force,” said Lieut.-Gen Lucas. “As the Air Force transforms itself by replacing and modernizing its doctrine, fleets, equipment, and resources, the CF Aerospace Warfare Centre will help to align the Air Force with the new CF vision of a more integrated force consistent with the Defence Policy Statement and the Chief of Defence Staff's vision.”

The Aerospace Warfare Centre is based on a two-site construct with the main site in Trenton. A small detachment, known as the Air Force Experimentation Centre, is collocated with the Canadian Forces Experimentation Centre in Ottawa. The CF Aerospace Warfare Centre will complement similar centres of excellence currently used by the Army and the Navy.

Starting with an initial cadre of 31 personnel, it is expected to reach full operational capability with approximately 125 people by 2008-2009. All costs will be borne within the existing and planned future Air Force funding envelopes.

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For more information, or to arrange an interview with Colonel Cottingham, please contact Capt Nicole Meszaros, 8 Wing Public Affairs 1-613-392-2811 Ext 2041.