DND Press Release
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet assumed command of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, during a change of command ceremony earlier today. General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, presided over the event held at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario.
Lieutenant-General Speiser-Blanchet is the 22nd Commander of the RCAF, as well as the first woman to be the Commander. She has served in many roles throughout her career, including as a CH-146 Griffon tactical helicopter pilot, and numerous staff and command roles, and she deployed in support of United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations. She most recently served as the Deputy Commander of the RCAF.
The outgoing commander, Lieutenant-General Kenny, served as Commander of the RCAF since 2022, and will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) after 36 years of distinguished service.
Quotes
“Today marks a transition and a celebration for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). I want to sincerely thank Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny for his exceptional leadership during a transformative period for the RCAF. He led the charge on modernization efforts that will shape the future of air and space power, while also overseeing the commemoration of the RCAF Centennial with the pride and recognition is so deeply deserves. I welcome Lieutenant-General Speiser Blanchet as the new Commander and have full confidence in her ability to continue building on this momentum and championing our people.”
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
“It has been an honour to serve as Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the exceptional dedication, resilience, and professionalism of our aviators and civilian personnel across Canada and around the world. Together, we have advanced key modernization initiatives that will shape the RCAF’s future for years to come, and we proudly commemorated our Centennial — a celebration of the generations who built this institution and the people who continue to serve it with pride. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led such a remarkable team. I know that under Lieutenant-General Speiser-Blanchet’s leadership, the RCAF will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
Lieutenant-General Eric Kenny, Outgoing Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
“It is a privilege to assume command of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at such a pivotal time in our history, as we reflect on a century of service and prepare for the challenges ahead. Under Lieutenant-General Kenny’s leadership, the RCAF has embraced change, advanced modernization, and proudly celebrated our Centennial. His dedication to operational excellence and commitment to our people have laid a strong foundation for the future. As we move forward, I remain focused on strengthening our culture, supporting our personnel and their families, modernizing our capabilities, and deepening the partnerships that make us stronger — all with the aim of ensuring the RCAF continues to deliver air and space power, now and into the next century.”
Lieutenant-General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Incoming Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
Quick Facts
The RCAF fulfills several roles within the CAF in support of Government of Canada priorities, including Search and Rescue, the protection of Canadian and North America airspace in partnership with the United States through the North American Aerospace Defence Command, and ongoing support to NATO.
The RCAF employs approximately 11,600 Regular Force, 2,000 Reserve Force and 1,400 civilian Defence Team personnel.
The Commander of the RCAF, who also serves as Chief of the Air Staff, is the senior Air Force officer in the CAF. They act as an advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff on matters regarding air and space military capabilities to meet Canada’s defence objectives.
