New Leader for 4 Wing Cold Lake

A ceremony was held on July 22 to mark the change of leadership from Brigadier-General Mark Hickey to Col. Tim Woods.

Hickey led 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake from July 2024 to July 2026 and was promoted to brigadier-general.

Hickey achieved many things, including opening a medical clinic and starting work on new daycare facilities, said 2Lt Matt MacFarlane.

Hickey is now in Hawaii, where he will represent Canada.

Woods has over 4,500 hours of flight experience and knows a lot about fighter jets.

Woods worked in Washington, D.C. on a new fighter program and served in the Fighter Capability Office from 2020 to 2023. He has a lot of experience. He will lead 4 Wing.

Woods got a master's degree in national security in 2024 and was the first director of Special Access Programs.

As leader, Woods will keep 4 Wing running and get it ready for new fighter jets.

Woods' main goals are to train and deploy fighter forces and prepare for new aircraft.

The base and area will see changes as 4 Wing gets ready for new jets.

The community can expect new buildings and more people at the base as 4 Wing grows and gets new jets.

MLA Scott Cyr attended the ceremony and said it was a big moment for the base and Canada.

Cyr thanked Hickey for his leadership and said he helped 4 Wing grow and modernize.

Cyr congratulated Woods and said he is confident in his experience to lead 4 Wing.

The change to new jets and investments can bring new opportunities to the area.

Cyr looks forward to working with Woods and the base leaders to build relationships with the community and industry.

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