New commanding officer for 9 Wing Gander

If the last words of her opening speech as the new commanding officer for 9 Wing Gander are any indication, Lt.-Col. Lisa Baspaly-Hays is ready to meet any challenges during her tenure head on. 
The words came after a short address from the new person at the helm in which she thanked family members for their support. 
“(Husband Jeremy) and I are truly looking forward to getting to know every one of you,” said Lt.-Col Baspaly Hays. “So, thank you 9 Wing Gander. 
“I know it's hot out, let's get after it.” 
A rallying cry if there ever was one. 
“I am deeply honoured to be standing here today as your next wing commander," said Basplay-Hayes. “Lt.-Col. Weissenborn and her team have done a tremendous job over the last couple of years. Chief Warrant Officer Barney and I will strive to build upon all of their hard work. 
“It is very apparent in the short time that I’ve had to get to know you all, this is a unit that very much punches above its weight class.”
The ceremony was not just a chance to say welcome to the new leader, but to bid farewell to the departing commander Lt.-Col. Jenn Weissenborn.
As she was walked into the ceremony by her mother Helen, the day concluded her two-year stay as the commanding officer of 9 Wing Gander. 
She’d later thank her mother for the support she’s received leading up to this point in her career and life. 
It was in 2017 when she first signed on for the position. 
Over the course of an hour, Lt.-Col. Weissenborn went through her last inspection of the members of 9 Wing Gander, witnessed one last parade, received a pair of gifts to commemorate her time in the community and gave one last goodbye to the place that had been her home. 
At the conclusion of the ceremony, she was whisked away in a white Jeep Wrangler, presumably off to explore a new adventure. 
“It is not lost on me that 9 Wing (Gander) is showing that leadership is not bound by gender,” she said. “To those that stood on the early front lines and to those who simply set about setting the path for this opportunity ... kites fly highest against the win.” 
The ceremonial signing over of the command signified the official end of Lt.-Col. Weissenborn’s tenure in Gander. 
“Finally to 9 Wing Gander, I will miss you all,” she said. “We’ve accomplished a great deal together. 
“How lucky am I to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard?”