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A message from the 17 Wing Commander
Colonel Jody Hanson, OMM, CD
June 2026
17 Wing/CFB Winnipeg Team,
As I prepare to transfer command of 17 Wing and Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg on 30 June 2026, I find myself reflecting on what makes this formation so exceptional: its people. This Wing and Base is far more than a footprint on a map—it is a dynamic, far-reaching team that delivers Force Generation, Force Employment, and Regional Support across an immense geographic area. Through every demand and every success, it has been your professionalism, resilience, and punchy determination and spirit that define what 17 Wing truly represents.
My time as Wing Commander has been marked by both challenge and opportunity, from periods of significant constraint to rapid growth and investment. Through it all, one constant remained—you. Whether serving in uniform or as a civilian member of the Defence Team or CFMWS, your grit, ingenuity, and teamwork ensured that no challenge was insurmountable. The many accomplishments achieved during this time speak volumes, but even more meaningful to me have been the everyday acts of excellence, pride, and camaraderie that make this organization so strong.
To all members of 17 Wing and CFB Winnipeg—thank you for your unwavering dedication, your professionalism, and your commitment to each other and to Canada. You have made this experience deeply meaningful, and I will carry immense pride in having served alongside you.
As you look ahead, I have every confidence in your ability to meet the future with the same strength and purpose you have always demonstrated. This Wing and Base will continue to grow in importance and capability, and I know it will thrive in the years to come.
While it is never easy to say farewell, it has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve as your Wing Commander—thank you for allowing me to be part of your story.
Voxair has been the official Winnipeg military community news source since 1952. The name derives from the Latin word "vox" meaning voice and "air" from the Royal Canadian Air Force, combining to establish the Voice of the Air Force.
Managed by the Corporate Services team, Voxair represents CFB Winnipeg/ 17 Wing and is the central source of local information for the CAF community.
Currently, Voxair operates on Facebook and Instagram under the channel name @Voxair.
17 Wing is situated at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg and operates under the command of 2 Canadian Air Division. It plays a vital role in generating, delivering, and sustaining air missions to support the mandate of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and offers assistance to Lodger Units and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The wing is responsible for providing fundamental aircrew training, specialized education, and environmental skills training for aircrew members.
Functioning as a support base, 17 Wing offers administrative, operational, and logistical support to over 113 units situated across 35 locations and 10 armouries spanning a wide geographic area. Additionally, 17 Wing serves as a Deployed Operations Base for NORAD fighter operations, including the CF-18 Hornets, as needed. The wing takes pride in supporting both 1 and 2 Canadian Air Divisions as lodger units.
