This morning, Brigadier-General John Alexander assumed command of 2 Canadian Air Division (2 CAD), the training authority for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), from Brigadier-General Denis O'Reilly. Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander of the RCAF, presided over the ceremony held at the 17 Wing Officer's Mess in Winnipeg.
As Commander of the formation, BGen Alexander will oversee all RCAF individual education and training (including ab-initio training for over 27 RCAF occupations), provide oversight of core RCAF developmental courses, and support overall RCAF training management. BGen Alexander brings extensive experience to 2 CAD from previous postings in simulation and training and flight safety directorates. He most recently served as Director General Air and Space Readiness in Ottawa, Ont. Over the years, BGen Alexander has deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, Northern Ireland, and Egypt. He commanded 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron and was the Canadian Task Force Commander and Chief of Liaison to the Multinational Force & Observers in the Sinai. BGen Alexander is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, the Royal Military College of Canada, and the NATO Defence College in Rome, Italy.
Upon relinquishing Command, BGen O'Reilly will assume the position of Chief of Staff to the Chief of the Defence Staff at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Ont.
