Change of command at CFSACO in Cornwall

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By Nick Seebruch
Change of command at CFSACO in Cornwall
Chief Warrant Officer Dwayne Earle with Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Armstrong who is holding CFSACO's mascot. Submitted photo.

CORNWALL, Ontario – The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations (CFSACO) which is based at the Nav Centre in Cornwall has a new Commandant.

Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Armstrong was sworn in as CFSACO’s new Commander on Friday, Aug. 6. He is taking over from Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Ciesielski who has served in the position for two years.

The Change of Command ceremony was presided over by Colonel Darryl Taylor, 16 Wing Commander.

“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to command this exceptional and talented group of Airmen and Airwomen and to carry on the tradition of shaping Aerospace Controllers and Aerospace Control Operators – providing them with the skills required to become the future leaders of the Royal Canadian Air Force in operations throughout Canada and across the globe,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong.

Armstrong joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2005 as an Aerospace Controller Officer and has served through several air traffic control tours between Moose Jaw, Sask., Greenwood, NS., and Bagotville, QC.

In 2020 he served as Air Task Force, Officer Commanding – Operational Support Element in the Middle East for Operation IMPACT, a coalition effort targeting ISIS.

Outgoing Commandant Lieutenant-Colonel Ciesielski has been assigned to Ottawa where he will be serving as Director of Air Domain Development (DADD) 4 for the RCAR Air Staff.

“The word unprecedented has been overused to describe the last 18 months.  But what is truly unprecedented is the level of dedication and professionalism shown by the staff at CFASCO to keep this school operating, and meet the Force Generation demands of the RCAF, throughout the most challenging time of our generation.” said Lieutenant-Colonel Ciesielski.

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