405 Squadron marks change of command, continuing change, challenge
In 2000 Chris Ward published a book called " RAF Bomber Command, Squadron Profiles Number 84, 405 Squadron" Researched, compiled and written by Chris the book profiles the Squadron's activities during the war. It was not meant to be a comprehensive history but to provide as much information as possible in a non-anecdotal form.
In 2024 Chris published a more informative history of 405 Squadron's wartime activities. It is three times the size of his frist book and is available on Amazon
NEW - WAR TIME HISTORY OF 405 SQUADRON
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.”
The crest of 405 Long Range Patrol Squadron depicts an eagle's head facing to the sinister and holding in the beak a sprig of maple. Its motto refers to the fact that this was the first and only Royal Canadian Air Force Pathfinder squadron. The eagle's head which faces the sinister suggests leadership, is derived from the pathfinder badge