Change of Command for local Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Captain Marilyn Donaldson (Left) presents Captain Hélène Hopkins with the Squadron Crest signifying the Change of Command of the Squadron at a virtual ceremony in Fort McMurray on Nov 9th, 2021. (Photo provided by 868 YMM Rotary Northstar RCACS)

FORT MCMURRAY – The 868 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron has a new leader.

The free program is geared toward youth aged 12 to 18 who are interested in honing leadership, teamwork, and aviation skills.

Captain Marilyn Donaldson has stepped down after six years as Commanding Officer.

She handed the reigns over to Captain Hélène Hopkins at a virtual Change of Command ceremony earlier this week.

Hopkins is a familiar face, having worked in a variety of roles with the local Squadron for the past four years.

Before coming to Fort McMurray, she served as Commanding Officer of 580 Squadron in Salisbury, New Brunswick.

Hopkins thanked Donaldson for her dedication since assuming command in 2015.

“I am very much looking forward to continuing to build on what has been started here at the Squadron,” said Hopkins in a press release.

During Tuesday’s Change of Command ceremony, several awards were also handed out.

Derrick Blatchford of the Air Cadet League of Canada presented cadets FSgt Bryan Reed and Sgt Jared Reed with long service medals.