After three years, Captain Lori-Lee Bott handed the command of 552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron over to Captain Dorothy Palmer this past week.

This symbolic parade took place in front of special guests City of Cranbrook Mayor Lee Pratt, representatives from Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 24 and Ladies Auxiliary, cadet families at Newlife Foursquare Church.

The Change of Command Ceremony is deeply rooted in Military tradition, predating the Norman Conquest of England. History reveals that in the Middle Ages it was not uncommon for the soldiers in the field to be unaware of who their commanders were or what they looked like. The formal change of command afforded these troops an opportunity to witness the proceedings and actually see their commanders.

Today the primary purpose of a change of command parade is to allow subordinates to witness the formality of a command change, form one officer to another. The ceremony is simple and direct.

The Cadet Ensign was passed from the outgoing commanding officer, Captain Lori-Lee Bott, to Regional Cadet Support Unit Representative, Captain Hannah Walker, Kootenay Zone Training Officer, to the Air Cadet League Representative, Mr. Keith Kepke, Kootenay Wing Rep, and to the incoming commanding officer, Captain Dorothy Palmer, The League was included in the passing of the flag, to demonstrate the partnership between the Air Cadet League and Regional Cadet Support Unit Pacific. Completing the change of command was the signing of the certificates.

Other highlights of the evening included Captain Bott being recognized for her service as Commanding Officer from Commander Henderson, RCSU Pacific. Several cadets expressed their appreciation with a few short speeches. She will be assuming the role as Training Officer at the squadron. Captain Palmer promoted three cadets as her first official duty.

Our next official function will be Annual Ceremonial Review Parade on June 12. This parade showcases the accomplishments of the cadets during the current training year. The public is welcome to attend. Also, weather permitting, cadets will take to the skies in Gliders and tow plane on May 18.   Watch for more information to follow. Check us out on Facebook ‘552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadets Cranbrook.’

552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadets meets every Tuesday from September to June, with select cadets attending two, three or six-week summer training courses. The squadron welcomes youth, to join anytime throughout the training year.

For more information: Captain Palmer [email protected]

Lead image: Signing over the squadron. Pictured are Captain D. Palmer, Captain H. Walker, Captain L. Bott. Photos by Mr. Jethwa

552 Key City Royal Canadian Air Cadets

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