Former Kincardine Air Cadet is reviewing officer at annual inspection

By: Liz Dadson June 12, 2026 255

Former Kincardine Air Cadet is reviewing officer at annual inspection

The Kincardine Air Cadets welcomed back one of their own, Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt.-Col.) Andrew Oakes as the reviewing officer at the 35th annual inspection and review, held Monday evening, at the Kincardine Legion.

The event began with 183 Typhoon Squadron forming up and marching on parade. Once the dignitaries had arrived, the crowd sang "O Canada," and Oakes conducted his review and gave a few remarks.

Born in Thurso, Scotland, Oakes emigrated to Canada when he was but a wee lad and grew up in Kincardine. After pursuing several careers in policing, aircraft maintenance and civilian flight instruction, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot in 2004.

His first operational tour was on the CC177 at 429 Squadron from 2009-13, completing numerous missions into Afghanistan, Libya and Haiti in support of a variety of humanitarian and combat operations. He was then posted to 440 Squadron in Yellowknife to fly the mighty CC183 Twin Otter.

In 2018, he was posted to fleet readiness at No. 1 Canadian Air Division (CAD) where he worked on a variety of projects related to air mobility. Two years later, he was assigned to the multi-engine flight commander at No. 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School to work with the amazing qualified flight instructors of Southport, teaching, coaching and guiding the next generation of pilots.

Since 2023, Oakes has been working at No. 2 CAD as the senior staff officer, air operations training, responsible for files relating to risk management, training and standards of all training fleets, including training and production analysis of all the air-ops trades.

In the summer of 2025, he returned from re-qualification training on the CC177 Globemaster aircraft and is the commanding officer of 426 Training Squadron, home of the Air Mobility Training Centre.

He and his wife, Rebecca, have two adult children. He couldn't be more proud to return to his home Air Cadet Squadron where he obtained his glider and power pilot's licences.

"It's not too long ago that I walked through those doors and into the Legion Hall as a cadet," he said. "I was 12 years old and I was afraid. I've gone through a lot of events since then and here I am.

"We all feel fear but you can't let it stop you from achieving your goals. I remember putting on night vision for the first time in Afghanistan. I felt fear; it's universal. But you can't let it paralyze you and cause you to fail. Otherwise, you can't accomplish what you want in life.

"To the cadets, congratulations on what you have accomplished here. Your drills were great and you look smart. Thanks to your parents who brought you here and your leadership team that has trained you well. You did a fabulous job. Thanks for the honour of being your reviewing officer."

Along with Oakes, the dignitaries included Kincardine Legion president Teri Leslie, commanding officer Captain Patricia Coulter, Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SCC) vice-chairman Andrew MacKinnon and Air Cadet League (ACL) representative Lt.-Col. (retired) Jim Gale.

This was Gale's final review as a representative of the ACL. "I am pleased and honoured to be here, but after 26 years as an ACL director, it's time for me to step down. I've attended a lot of annual reviews and mess dinners, but I was blown away by the skills on the parade square tonight. This is my final annual review as an ACL representative, and I will miss it."

Coulter thanked the staff, volunteers and supporters for making the program such a great success. Working with her, are training officer Captain Moiken Penner, senior instructor Brendan Frayne, and administrative civilian instructors Robert Grey and Beth Hayes.

Besides the inspection of the troops, the annual review included demonstrations and drills, and the presentation of the following awards:

Murray Whetung Community Service Award - for demonstrating exceptional citizenship and volunteerism within the community and corps – Flight Sergeant Sawyer Gjesing
Esprit de Corps Captain Clift Award - for demonstrating the qualities of a team player, a motivator and, in general, a cadet who shows the best attempt at making cadets as much fun as possible – Flight Corporal Noah Saunders
Jessica Poole Memorial Award - in honour of a former cadet who tragically lost her life in a traffic collision many years ago; Jessica was an exemplary cadet who exuded light, laughter and friendship to everyone; her spirit of comradeship, leadership and responsibility were an example to all around her – Flight Sergeant Drayden Ariganello
Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence - nominated by the commanding officer in recognition of co-operation with peers and subordinates, comradeship, promoting goodwill and morale within the squadron, aiding in the development of group identity and cohesiveness, supporting and assisting fellow unit members, and enhancing the impact of the cadet organization in the local community – WO2 Joel Cranston
Lord Strathcona Medal - demonstrates exceptional performance in physical and military training and exemplifies the model cadet – Fight Sergeant Harrison Henhoeffer
Best Junior Cadet – LAC Olivia Andrusiak
Best Senior Cadet – Sergeant Noah Saunders
Most Improved Cadet – LAC Ainsley Vanderlip
Best Attendance - Flight Sergeant Sawyer Gjesing