[1](Trenton, Ont. 11/08/11) Col. David Cochrane gives his final address to the men and women at CFB Trenton during the Change of Command Parade. Photo by Steph Crosier
By Steph Crosier
The man who brought light to the dark days at CFB Trenton and the surrounding community passed the torch of command last Thursday.
Colonel Dave Cochrane handed over the reins of CFB Trenton to his successor Colonel Sean Friday.
Cochrane took command of the base in February 2010 soon after former commander Russell Williams’s’ shocking betrayal.
Williams, now stripped of all military titles, is serving two life sentences at Kingston Penitentiary for two counts of first-degree murder, 82 break-ins, forcible confinement, and two counts of sexual assault.
In the guide to the Change of Command Parade there was a list of all commanders of CFB Trenton. Williams was not listed.
Cochrane has been credited for leading the healing process in the community in the aftermath of Williams.
Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, in a news conference on the base in Trenton on Aug. 10, said he was proud and happy that Cochrane was chosen to take over at such a terrible time.
“He stepped in at a time that required tremendous leadership and sensitivity to the local community,” said MacKay.
“He worked closely with families affected by the tragedy that was associated with this base,” he said. “That takes a special person, that takes leadership above and beyond and what is often expected of our Canadian Forces.”
During the Change of Command parade, Cochrane gave an address in which he highlighted the dismal time he came to Trenton in.
“Many people, organizations, and units came to the forefront providing critical support services on base and in the community to help us get through this difficult period,” said Cochrane. “This local community and the local region is behind our military 100% making us extremely proud to be in the military and living in this beautiful region with our close neighbours.”
Cochrane also personally thanked John Williams, mayor of Quinte West. Cochrane said that he has stood out as an exceptional supporter of 8 Wing CFB Trenton during and after the Williams affair.
“It’s great, we had a great relationship,” said Williams. “He came along at the right time when we were all need some guidance and some leadership. I worked closely with him and we got through that. He’s a great man.”
In an interview, Cochrane said people in the community and on base have healed through support.
“When people walk downtown, people have been buying the men and women in uniform coffee from Tim Horton’s,” said Cochrane. “People saying thank you on the streets. So we’re quite proud to walk around this community in our uniform.”
Even though Feb. 2010 was a difficult time to come into a base, Cochrane said that his time here has been everything he thought it would be and more.
“As you can image, last February it was a very stressful time, but I have an amazing command team here they’ve done fantastic work where they came together and we marched forward,” said Cochrane. “Turning the page, when I look at all the operational success that we’ve done. The support we’ve provided to the people and their families, it’s been incredible.”
Cochrane is scheduled for second language training for this fall and then will be heading to Canberra, Australia. There he will be the Canadian representative on the defence strategic studies course.
“It’ll be a life experience,” said Cochrane. “I have a 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl and they are quite excited, as well as my wife Sherry.”
Cochrane’s final message to the community and CFB Trenton is a simple thank you.
Friday is coming in when Trenton has almost completely healed and is expanding.
“When you look at the transformation going on at this base,” said Cochrane. “$860 million over the next five years, as well as the new capabilities, the new C130 J-model as well as the C17 landing in Alert for example. It’s been wonderful to see 8 Wing is definitely on the map, and we play a critical role in the military.”
In an interview, Friday said that he is extremely happy to be replacing Cochrane as commander at Canada’s busiest air force base.
“It feels fantastic,” said Friday. “This is such a great wing, it’s the Air Force’s largest wing and we’ve got operations going on around the world. Whether it’s up in the North over in the Middle East helping folks there, people are actually on the plane today heading down to Jamaica. It’s a great wing, I couldn’t be more pleased and honoured.”
Friday also said that he and Cochrane have been friends for a while. Running to each other over the years and actually going the same jobs.
“Colonel Cochrane has been a good friend of mine for many years,” said Friday. “Known him for a long time, I was so pleased when I heard that he was coming in to take over command of the wing, he was the exact right guy. A good friend and I couldn’t be more pleased to taking over the wing from such a fine fellow.”
What Friday is looking forward to the most is meeting people around the wing and community.
“Being with the people,” said Friday. “I know my wife Anne-Lucie is really looking forward to having that interaction.”
Friday is also looking forward to working with community leaders and has already had dinner with Williams. Friday comes to the 8 Wing with a wife and two children. He enjoys golfing, skiing and hockey.
