Canadian Forces Base Trenton has a new Honorary Colonel.

Members of 8 Wing Trenton welcomed HCol. Julie Lange to the prestigious  role during an investiture ceremony at the Officers’ Mess on Thursday.

HCol Lange succeeds HCol John Smylie, who was the Wing’s ambassador of goodwill to the local community from 2018 until his unexpected death in June 2022, continuing the tradition of exceptional leaders appointed as Honorary Colonels of 8 Wing.

“We are very pleased to welcome Honorary Colonel Julie Lange in her new role as 8 Wing Honorary Colonel, while we remember the legacy of Honorary Colonel John Smylie for his lifelong dedicated service, he was a role model, a steadfast supporter, leader, and a friend to all of the members of 8 Wing Trenton and the Royal Canadian Air Force," said Colonel Leif Dahl, Commander, 8 Wing Trenton. 

8 Wing Trenton hosted a Celebration of Life service for Honorary Colonel Smylie. 

"His memory endures in our hearts and continues to inspire all who had the pleasure of sharing time with him," Col. Dahl expressed.  "I know that as an experienced individual, Honorary Colonel Lange will continue the legacy of Honorary Colonel Smylie, building on our strong relationship with the local community and continuing to support our big military family.”

As Portfolio Manager and Branch Manager of ScotiaMcLeod in both Belleville and Lindsay and as previous HCol of 436 Transport Squadron, HCol. Lange is a familiar face at 8 Wing. Her new role will see her take on ever greater responsibilities as Honorary Colonel of Canada’s largest and busiest air base.

“I feel privileged and I look forward to starting my new role at 8 Wing as the Wing Honorary Colonel," Lange said.  "This position is of great importance, since it gives the opportunity to reflect the impact this Wing has on our community and the great relationship we have with the people of the Quinte West region. It is also an honour for me to continue the great work of Honorary Colonel John Smylie who left us too early. His compassion for others and tireless effort greatly improved the morale and quality of life of our 8 Wing members.”

Quick Facts

• The Honorary rank is “honorary and advisory,” and honorary rank does not confer authority or command function. Honoraries can provide continuity within the unit on matters of community events and activities, unit traditions, etc. – of importance can be speaking to new recruits and young officers on unit history and traditions.
• From delivering supplies to the high Arctic to airlifting troops, equipment and humanitarian loads worldwide, 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base Trenton is the hub of Royal Canadian Air Force air mobility operations in Canada.
• 8 Wing is responsible for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations over a large area under the jurisdiction of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton.
•  Members of 8 Wing Trenton are involved in virtually every Canadian Armed Forces operation. Most personnel and equipment deployed by air within Canada, or around the world, pass through Trenton at some point.