By MWO Normand Marion, 16 Wing
The sun was out and shining on Friday morning, June 20, 2003, for a Change of Command ceremony at the Air Command Professional Development and Training Centre (ACPDTC). The ceremony marked the changing of the school's Commandant from Major Alain Corbeil to Major Tammy Harris.
During his farewell address, Major Corbeil thanked various sections and individuals who assisted him, and he reflected upon his years with ACPDTC, his very first appointment as a commandant. “Three years ago I took over the school with, I must admit, some fears; I must have looked stressed at times, because some of you took the time to put a smile on my face.” He also joked about going through three School Chief Warrant Officers during his tenure: “This may not be a record, but it’s certainly a good average. I’ve learned a lot from all three. They made me a better person, and a better commandant.” The outgoing commandant also praised the staff at ACPDTC for their great work and professional attitude. Major Corbeil will remain at 16 Wing as the new AERE Squadron Commander at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE).
The Presiding Officer for the ceremony, 16 Wing Commander Colonel Peter Abbott, thanked and praised the outgoing school Commandant and welcomed his replacement, Major Tammy Harris. He reminded the audience of the importance attached to leadership positions within the Air Force. “Command of an Air Force unit is a special privilege that comes with many more obligations and responsibilities than with perks and extra pay. And those who are elected for command are among the very best of our officer corps, as represented today by both Major Corbeil and Major Harris.”
In her own address, Major Harris expressed her excitement and pride at being given the privilege to command the school that teaches and hones the leadership skills of the Air Force’s Non-commissioned Members. “I believe that today I’m one of the luckiest officers in the Canadian Forces. I not only get to assume my first command, but I get to work with the best that the Air Force has to offer. I look forward to work with this outstanding team and honing my own personal leadership skills.”
Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Major Harris was raised in the Annapolis Valley and attended Acadia University where she graduated with a BA in Sociology. Enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1987, she completed Basic Officer Training and was transferred first to Cold Lake, Alberta, and then to the Transport Canada Training Institute in Cornwall, Ontario, for Air Traffic Control training. During her career she served at various Air Traffic Control units including Lahr, Germany, and 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia. She also served a three-year posting at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her last posting prior to coming to Borden was at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as the Wing Air Traffic Control Officer and Wing Operations Officer.
Major Harris, on behalf of all members of 16 Wing, welcome aboard!
