A change of command ceremony was held Thursday at 15 Wing Moose Jaw as Brig.-Gen. Daniel Coutts passed the torch to Col. Adam Carlson, who becomes the 30th commanding officer of the Canadian Forces base.
Carlson recently completed a year at the Air War College in Montgomery, Ala., where he earned a master’s degree in strategic studies. Prior to that, he served as director of air force training at 2 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg.
“The weight of that command is significant because I have to serve and lead this team, and I’m responsible, and I want to make sure everyone does their best, but also look after the team, so it’s heavy. The responsibility is big,” Carlson said.
In his previous role, Carlson oversaw the development and execution of training programs across the Royal Canadian Air Force.
A former student pilot at 15 Wing, he said it was surreal to return as commanding officer.
“Not that many years ago, when I was in cadets and junior rangers, one of the people we dealt with was a former Wing commander here and was Wing commander when I was a student. It was very interesting to see that and to now live up to the expectation of what I imagined they did, and to the expectation of the team and not let anyone down, it’s better big, but it’s special to come back,” he said.
Carlson is taking over from Coutts, who will be promoted to commander of 2 Canadian Air Division on June 24. The 2 Canadian Air Division is the operational command for 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
Coutts has served as commanding officer at 15 Wing since July 14, 2023. He recalled taking command just as the military was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our phase 2 training has rebounded at 2 CFFTS (Canadian Forces Flying Training School) despite the challenges of aging aircraft that we drive very, very hard,” Coutts said. “Of course, times have decreased and production is up. This is certainly a credit to the command team of 2 CFFTS.”
He added that 15 Wing will be in good hands under Carlson’s leadership.
“As I pass the torch to Col. Carlson, I do with full confidence in the future of 15 Wing. Adam, you’re well known across the RCAF as a talented leader, and having worked with you closely before, I’m so happy to be able to pass the flag to you today,” Coutts said.
Carlson takes command during a pivotal time for 15 Wing. He will be involved in implementing the 25-year, $11.2-billion Future Aircrew Training Program (FAcT) with partner SkyAlyne, which will bring considerable changes to the base.
These changes include new infrastructure at 15 Wing, a new fleet of aircraft including the CT-102B Astra II and the CT-157 Siskin II, and state-of-the-art simulation technology.