Thunderbirds are go! Thurso man promoted to squadron commander in Royal Canadian Air Force
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A Thurso-born pilot has been promoted to a senior rank in the Royal Canadian Air Force as commander of the “Thunderbirds” squadron.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gregor Jackson officially took over as the 426 (Transport) Training Squadron’s commanding officer following an official ceremony in July.
The historic squadron was created during World War II to help supply air crew for the battle in Europe. Its motto is "On Wings of Fire" and the squadron's badge contains a thunderbird.
Members of 426 Squadron work at the Air Mobility Training Centre located at Trenton, Ontario, training and preparing aircrew to operate the CC-130 Hercules and CC-150 Polaris aircraft.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson said: “I look forward to leading the members of 426 Training Squadron as we provide the very best Air Mobility aircrew and technicians to sustain missions at home and around the globe.
“We will work together to continue to train and support members who are the foundation in our ranks.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson previously served with the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, before retiring from the RAF in 2018 and joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2019.
He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Robert Gordon University, a master’s degree from the University of Portsmouth, and a master’s degree in defence studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Before studying at Aberdeen, he was educated at Miller Academy Primary, Thurso High School and Thurso College.
He is the son of Tom and Margaret Jackson, Upper Burnside Avenue, Thurso; the brother of Shirley Bain (Halkirk) and Neil Jackson (Thurso) and the son-in-law of Iain and Una Cowie, Moorside Avenue, Thurso.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson began his military career with the Royal Air Force in 1999. After earning his wings in August 2002 he was involved in many deployments and exercises before becoming a Qualified Flying Instructor in 2007.
He has a total of 3500 flying hours, with over 900 of them instructional. Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson was selected for loan service duties with 436 Squadron in Trenton in May 2012.
He returned to the UK in 2015 and was based at RAF Brize Norton. In 2018, he retired from the RAF and returned to Canada the following year to join the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson is married to Sonja and they have two sons, Angus (14) and 12-year-old Sammy.
