Incoming 8 Wing Commander Col. Andy Bowser delivers a speech from the podium during an 8 Wing change of command and change of appointment ceremony at CFB Trenton. / Cpl. Luke Barrie photo
The community is welcoming a new leader with Col. Andy Bowser taking on the role of wing commander at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton.
Bowser is taking over from Col. Leighton James, with the change official during a recent ceremony held at the airbase.
“Taking over command of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton feels like coming home for me after spending several years away,” said Bowser. “I am looking forward to leading and making impactful contributions to the wing I know and love.
“I am deeply committed to cultivating a culture of readiness, resilience, and risk awareness among the team at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. Continuing to foster strong ties with the local community is paramount.”
The ceremony was presided over by Major-General Chris McKenna, commander of 1 Canadian Air Division (CAD), Canadian NORAD Region (CANR), Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) and Search and Rescue Region Trenton.
According to a recent release, Bowser grew up in Ottawa, and enrolled as a pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2001.
After studying mechanical engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada, Bowser earned his wings in 2007.
He was then posted to 436 Squadron from 2007 to 2015 – holding the ranks of lieutenant to major – where he flew operational missions on the CC130E/H and CC130J, reads the release from 8 Wing.
Upon returning from his second deployment in support of Operation ATHENA, he completed his C-130J training in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2010. In 2012, he was deployed to Sigonella, Sicily in support of Operation LOBE.
After a promotion to major in 2013, he assumed the duties of squadron standards officer.
In the release it states in addition to his operational flying duties, Bowser served as executive assistant to the commander of 1 CAD and senior staff officer – Air Mobility for 1 CAD’s director of fleet readiness before being promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in 2017. He was then appointed as commanding officer of the 436 Squadron.
In 2021, Bowser deployed in support of Operation FOUNDATION and the US Central Command’s 609th Combined Air Operations Centre in Al Udeid as deputy director of the Combat Operations Division, reads the release.
Promoted to his current rank in 2021, Bowser went on to serve as director of air plans, then director of aerospace readiness on the air staff in Ottawa, prior to being posted to the Canadian Forces College as national security programme student in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in defence studies from the Royal Military College of Canada and is also a graduate of the Canadian Forces College’s joint command and staff programme and national security programme, added officials.
“The wing has much to be proud of, and I’m excited to continue its legacy of excellence on domestic and international operations,” said Bowser. “Together, we will strive to make advancements, ensuring we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to our mission.”
In the same ceremony, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Sargent assumed his new position as CWO of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton from CWO Renee Hansen.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
