Heritage Meets Horizon: 402 Squadron Welcomes New Leaders

On August 7, 2025, the expansive hangar floor of 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron saw history and future converge. The ceremony marked a dual transition: Squadron Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Steve Bodnar passed the torch to CWO James Boucher, while Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt.-Col.) Geneviève Dussault handed command of the squadron to Lt.-Col. Kreager Graham.

The proceedings, rich in tradition and camaraderie, were presided over by 17 Wing Commander, Colonel (Col.) Jody Hanson, and distinguished guests including USAF Brig-Gen Schermerhorn, Col. Proteau, and Col. Perreault.

A Squadron with deep Roots

Founded in 1932 as No. 12 Army Co-Operation Squadron and re-designated as 402 Squadron in 1941, the unit’s journey spans fighter missions during the Second World War, to navigation and transport roles, evolving into today’s world-class aircrew training facility. It also upholds a proud lineage of Commonwealth and allied aircrew receiving training, embedding 402 Squadron in the broader tapestry of RCAF and international cooperation.

The formal handover of command is a time-honoured military tradition, symbolizing the orderly transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability for the unit. For 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron, it also reflects the enduring spirit of service and operational excellence that has defined the unit for more than 80 years.

Outgoing Squadron CWO, Steve Bodnar reflected both pride and optimism when speaking to members of 402 Squadron;

“This next chapter will bring transformation, new partnerships and new responsibilities, but I have no doubt the squadron will meet those needed with the same excellence, flexibility and teamwork is defined 402 throughout its history… The people of 402 Squadron are its strength, and it's been. the privilege of my career to serve as your chief. Thank you for the trust, the collaboration and the memories - We stand on guard.”

Although leaving his role as Squadron Chief, CWO Bodnar will not be a stranger to 402 Squadron as he transitions to the Reserve Force to take on the rank of Captain, through the Special Commissioning Plan, to take on the role as a Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) Tier Project Officer.

During his address, incoming CWO James Boucher spoke with measured humility and resolve as when discussing his upcoming appointment as the Squadron Chief Warrant Officer. “It is an incredible honor to accept the appointment of Chief Warrant Officer of 402, squadron, and I do so with humility, gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility.” Speaking to the members of 402 Squadron in attendance, CWO Boucher assured them, “I will be visible, accessible and an engaged leader, one who supports the mission, the leadership, and above all, the people who make this squadron function every day. I will strive to uphold our values, strengthen our culture of respect and accountability, and assure that we continue to move forward as one team.”

During her tenure, Lt.-Col. Geneviève Dussault turned momentum into measurable gains for 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron. On the flight line, the team brought aircraft 804 back into service after a year on the ground. In the classroom and simulators, she pushed modernization of curriculum and delivery, refreshing pilot lesson plans and tightening the weave between academics, trainers and flights. New and upgraded tools—most notably the Procedural Crew Trainer alongside the Tactical Mission Trainer—gave students more realistic mission rehearsal and richer debriefs. At the same time, the squadron saw the reinstatement of their heraldic crest following Indigenous consultation, a highly symbolic return that visibly re-anchored unit identity across the “Grizzlies.” . Throughout her address, Lt.-Col. Dussault celebrated trends of inclusion—highlighting that she was 402 Squadron first female CO. “You have to believe… because things can happen and surprise you,” Dussault said.

Strategically, Dussault pulled 402 forward into the future. She engaged early in Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) discussions representing the squadron’s interests from the earliest discussions. She also sustained 402’s international footprint—preparing to welcome German students in 2026—building on the unit’s reputation as a Total Force training hub where Regular and Reserve members generate wings-qualified ACSOs and AES Ops from around the globe on the CT-142 “Gonzo.”

Lt.-Col. Dussault’s impact extended well beyond the hangar. As Chair of the CFB Winnipeg 100th Anniversary Committee, she helped put a national spotlight on the base: a sold-out dinner for more than 700 guests, a Freedom of the City parade (the first in 33 years), and Doors Open Winnipeg activities that brought 2,000+ visitors through the gates—culminating in the People’s Choice Award for Best Overall Experience. Those public-facing wins mirrored the leadership style her squadron knows well: humour that brings people together, the occasional practical joke, and an unusually open feedback loop—she invited direct input from subordinates on her own leadership to keep the command team sharp. As she summed up to the Grizzlies, “You have to believe… because things can happen and surprise you.”

Lt.-Col. Dussault underscored how the squadron has adapted and evolved, expressing confidence in her successor, “[Lt.-Col. Graham] Your drive, your energy will be essential in tackling complex challenges such as… completing key modernization initiatives on our way to FAcT. You have my full confidence.” 

17 Wing Commander, Colonel (Col.) Jody Hanson started her address by recognizing the incoming and outgoing Squadron Chief Warrant Officers;

‘Let’s begin by recognizing two outstanding Grizzlies… Chief Warrant Officer Bodnar thank you so much for your steadfast leadership, your contributions to AES Op training and the unit have left a lasting impact – and congratulations on your next chapter – following the Special Commissioning Plan to become a Captain taking on the role of a FAcT Tier Project Officer… as some would say – ‘Welcome to the dark side.’  Adjt-Chef Boucher bienvenue dans l'équipe ! Your experience from 1 CAD [1 Canadian Air Division], to RMC [Royal Military College], CRLFS [Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School] and the Maritime Helicopter Fleet during the transition to the Cyclone has prepared you well for this role.”

Col. Hanson then praised Lt.-Col. Dussault for her exceptional leadership and for leaving an indelible mark on both the squadron and the wider base community. She highlighted Dussault’s role in returning aircraft 804 to service, her dedication to modernizing training programs, and her forward-leaning involvement in FAcT, describing her as someone who consistently pushed the squadron ahead of the curve. Col. Hanson also pointed to her remarkable efforts in shining a spotlight on 17 Wing and CFB Winnipeg through the base’s centennial celebrations. But Col. Hanson’s remarks also touched on the personal qualities that made Dussault’s leadership unique: a sharp sense of humour—underscored by her fondness for practical jokes—and a rare openness in leadership, seeking direct feedback from subordinates to refine her approach.

Welcoming 402 Squadron’s new Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. Kreager, Col. Hanson light-heartedly highlighted her personal experience working with Kreager in the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) at 1 Canadian Air:

“I’ve had the privilege of working with him in the CAOC for a year and witnessed firsthand the thoughtful leader that he is. He manages multiple conflicting issues with grace.  Supports his team with care and brings a sense of humor to everything he does. And let’s be honest anyone who’s raising five daughters between the age of 8 and 14 is already a master of crisis management, coaching and multitasking.”

Lt.-Col. Kreager Graham embraced his new role with gratitude and clarity.

“It is a profound honour and privilege to stand here before you as the commanding officer of 402 ‘City of Winnipeg’ Squadron, I am deeply humbled by the trust that has been placed in me to uphold the legacy to training excellence that this unit represents... I pledge to lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on our collective mission.”

A Glimpse into the Skies & the Future

A ceremonial touch steeped in unit identity—a 402 Squadron CT-142 “Gonzo” aircraft soared overhead, heralding the leadership transition with the distinct roar of RCAF legacy in flight.

From its humble days at Stevenson Field to the modern realities of high-tech training and strategic importance, 402 ”City of Winnipeg” Squadron remains rooted in a proud heritage while adapting tirelessly to meet future challenges. As Lt.-Col. Graham and CWO Boucher take the helm, sailing forward—guided by legacy, energized by change, and united by purpose, they now stand on guard.