ROME, N.Y. - The Canadian Forces Detachment at the Eastern Air Defense Sector officially changed commanders this morning during a formal ceremony at the New York Air National Guard facility.
Lt. Col. Kyle Paul assumed command from Lt. Col. l David Pletz, who finished his two-year tour of duty as Canadian detachment commanding officer. Paul's responsibilities will include leading the 15-member Canadian detachment and serving as part of the EADS staff.
"Canadian Forces personnel are a critical part of EADS daily operations and play an essential role in protecting the North American airspace," said Col. Dawne Deskins, EADS commander. "On behalf of the unit, I want to welcome Lt. Col. Paul and his family to EADS and thank Lt. Col. Pletz and his family for their service and wish them well in their new assignment."
A formal change of command ceremony is a long-standing Canadian military tradition marking the public transfer of command responsibilities.
Canadian Lt. Gen. J.A.J. Parent, deputy commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), based in Peterson AFB, Colo., presided over the ceremony.
The Eastern Air Defense Sector is headquartered at Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome.
Staffed by active duty New York Air National Guardsmen and a Canadian Forces Detachment, the unit supports the North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) integrated warning and attack assessment missions and the U.S. Northern Command's (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense mission.
EADS is responsible for air sovereignty and counter-air operations over the eastern United States and directs a variety of assets to defend 1 million square miles of land and sea.