Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and now a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lt. Col. (LCol) Steven Thompson was officially named Commanding Officer for the RCAF’s 440 Transport Squadron at a ceremony in Yellowknife, NWT earlier today. LCol Thompson is also a graduate of Sault College’s aviation program. Here is a full release from the RCAF promoting LCol Thompson: “I am excited to be the Commander of the 440th Transportation Squadron and look forward to maintaining the high standard that Lt. Col. Paquette set during his time here. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to call Yellowknife home, both as a member of 440 Squadron and Joint Task Force North, and I look forward to continuing to serve Canadians in the North in my new role.” – Lt. Col. Steven Thompson, Commander, 440th Transportation Squadron “Commanding the ‘Vampires’ of the 440th Transport Squadron has been the greatest honor and privilege of my career. Our small team has punched well above its weight, providing transportation of personnel and equipment in support of Canadians across the North and in response to multiple provincial requests for assistance. Thank you to the members of 440 Squadron for your tireless efforts during my tenure and good luck to LCol Thompson.” – Lt. Col. Devlon Paquette, outgoing Commander, 440th Transportation Squadron Quick facts
440 Squadron’s duties include airlift, utility and liaison flights in support of the Canadian Armed Forces in the north, including support of the Canadian Rangers. Like all flying squadrons of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 440 Squadron can conduct search and rescue missions when requested by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres. They also conduct live parachute freefall operations, delivering cargo to troops in the field, and fishing patrols on Great Slave Lake. 440 Squadron operates four of the renowned Canadian designed and built CC-138 Twin Otters to perform its wide range of missions. The Squadron operates these rugged aircraft in some of the harshest weather conditions on the planet and is the only established RCAF unit based full-time in the north. The Squadron consists of approximately 55 members who are a mix of Regular Force and Reserve members. In addition to conventional airfield operations, the Squadron maintains the capability to conduct “off airfield” operations on skis in winter and tundra tires in summer.
