Lieutenant-Colonel Ryan Eyre, a former member of 553 Sherlock Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets in Davidson, took over command of the 437 Huskies Squadron at CFB 8 Wing Trenton June 15 to the delight of family and friends in Craik as well as military personnel across Canada.

“We’re certainly proud of him,” said Gwen Eyre, Ryan’s mother and longtime Craik resident.  “He has dedicated his life to his career and worked hard.  This will be a challenge, but he’s always looked forward to challenges.”

Lt.-Col. Eyre will be entrusted with transporting military personnel along with VIP members of the government and various heads of state including the Prime Minister, Governor General and the Queen of England on the Airbus.  He will also be tasked with in-flight refueling of jets such as the CF-18, which enables them to remain in the air for longer periods of time.

“Ryan was a dedicated top cadet,” said Gordon McRae, the liaison between the parents, officers and cadets with the Department of National Defence and the Sherlock Squadron when Ryan was a member.  “He had his mind made up.  He wanted to be involved with the air force and he wanted to be involved with the cadet program.

“It’s kind of not a surprise that he’s the commanding officer of the Huskies now, but I’m very glad for him and sure he’ll do really well.”

Lt.-Col. Eyre starts as Commanding Officer of the Huskies for the second time this summer.  He began his career with the Canadian Forces in 1992 and originally served with the 437 flying the Airbus from 2006 to 2010.   He has racked up over 5,800 hours of flying time through his career.