Pathfinders mark 405 Squadron change of appointment
05/09/2025
Sara White, 14 Wing, News
Calling his time at 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron “the highlight of my career,” Chief Warrant Officer Duane May made a few changes August 13, turning over his chief’s responsibilities and taking on a captain’s rank and role.
“I stand here with pride and gratitude, and disbelief my time at this squadron has come to an end. I stand before an impressive, mission-focused team. I’ve witnessed the highs and the lows, as you’ve deployed around the world at a moment’s notice. The aircrew – you train, prepare for and execute missions – and you forget how easy you make it all look. The maintenance team – your skill and confidence is easy to respect. The operations and safety team – you ‘orchestrate the madness,’ essential to the squadron’s effectiveness.
“I leave proud of what we achieved, and the unit is in great shape. Never forget what you are capable of. Whether it’s on the ground or in the air, you are leading the way every day.”
Incoming Chief Warrant Officer Derek Stratton, signing in as the squadron’s chief for the next couple of years, spoke after May, taking “a lot of direction” from his predecessor’s speech.
“You set the bar high and will be a tough act to follow. Your work ethic and values – there is no more deserving member than you to promote to captain,” Stratton said.
“In the 1990s, the success of becoming a chief felt like an impossibility for me. Intangible. I was happy to be a soldier. As it turns out, life has a way of shaping you. I gained rank and experience, and doors opened. The inspiration for me was the leaders and the leadership in the Canadian Armed Forces I had the privilege of serving alongside, inspiring me to grow as a professional – and a person.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Stubbert, who returned to 405 Squadron for the third time just last month, said units rely on their chief warrant officers.
“They play a vital role as the technical, connective tissue of a squadron; as mentors; upholding the highest standards.”
Stubbert first met May in 2022, remembering him as “the voice of reason and maturity,” and that his obvious dedication to the welfare of squadron members is “unmatched – the very best qualities possible in a chief warrant officer. As he welcomed Stratton as his command team partner, he reminded him, “you are now part of a legacy committed to excellence and protecting Canadians.”
BY Sara White, Managing editor
Familiar 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron faces will be seen around 14 Wing Greenwood in coming years. At a change of command ceremony July 15, outgoing commanding offi cer Lieutenant-Colonel Dan Arsenault turned over unit responsibilities to the incoming Lieutenant-Colonel Joel Stubbert. Arsenault now takes a “long trip across the parking lot” from 11 Hangar to work remotely as the Directorate of Air Personnel Strategy – Occupation Analysis Lead, part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Occupations Analysis Team. Stubbert returns to 405 Squadron for his third tour with the Pathfi nders, coming from his most recent role as vice chief of NORAD Current Operations and Deputy Command Center Director of the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Joint Operations Centre. “Three years goes by in an instant,” Arsenault said. “Three years ago, we hadn’t yet committed to the P8; we had 14 Aurora aircraft, and now we have 10; we have a dozen of our teammates training overseas with our allies. “This squadron is on the leading edge of the air force, and it’s a profound honour to stand here before you.” Arsenault commended squadron members for their “thirst for excellence,” grit and skill; from the maintenance line, whose work “seldom makes headlines but always makes missions,” to the executive and administrative staff who are the “brains at home,” finding money and solving challenges while the squadron’s aircrews are fl ying around the world. He thanked command team partner Chief Warrant Offi ce Duane May for lessons he’ll take with him into his next role, and the full wing command team for “having each others’ backs, and looking our for one another. He especially thanked Ruth Kirkey, the squadron’s administrative assistant who retired June 13 after 29 years of “exceptional” public service. “The global situation is deteriorating, and your role as Pathfi nders is not symbolic: it is essential to Canadian and world security.” Arsenault presented the squadron with a wooden map of the world, including brass inlays of its battle honours, to hang with an in-unit heritage display. 14 Wing Colonel Luc Vachon, himself once Co of 405 Squadron, also described the privilege of attending the squadron’s change of command. “Expectations were high,” of Arsenault, Vachon said. “He lead through change and a high operational tempo, ensuring we remained a credible and capable force and that our aircrew was prepared for evolving roles and missions around the world. Dan, your work has left a lasting impact, not only on the squadron but on the entire wing.” Vachon was pleased to welcome Stubbert back to the squadron, the base and the Annapolis Valley, but his work is also cut out for him. “Preparing the squadron for the transition to the P8 will be one of the most significant changes we’ll face in the air force. Command is never without challenge, but it is always with opportunity. I look forward to working alongside you.” Stubbert said he remembers his first day at 405 Squadron 15 years ago and fi rst meeting Arsenault in Iqaluit 20 years ago; and that the present is an “extraordinary time, a recognition of world powers and competition; of people refusing to comply with world order. New aircraft is arriving – a challenge, but an opportunity for professional growth, and for 405 Squadron to build resilience and demonstrate the daring and tenacity of our mission. “It’s ‘wicked awesome’ to have the chance to navigate this with you.”
Out-going 405 (Long Range Patrol) Squadron Chief Warrant Officer Duane May, right, and incoming Chief Warrant Officer Derek Stratton display May’s parting gift to the squadron August 13: a new crested flagpole, including an embedded squadron chief warrant officer’s coin.
405 Squadron marks change of command, continuing change, challenge