Kevin West

Military career

In the summer of 1983, West joined the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve as a signalman. In January 1985, he transferred to the Regular Force and was posted to CFB Esquimalt. In 1987, he was promoted to able seaman and posted to the HMCS Gatineau. During his time in the Navy, he sailed in a number of ships on the East Coast of Canada.

In 1990, he underwent an occupational transfer to the Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator Trade and therefore became a member of the Air Force. In the rank of corporal he undertook basic aircrew training at 19 Wing Comox and then Maritime Operational Aircrew Training at 404 Squadron. In 1991, having received his wings, he was posted to No. 415 Maritime Patrol Squadron.

In 1995, he was promoted to sergeant and deployed on several operations including Op Sharp Guard in support of the United Nation sanctions in Bosnia. Promoted to Warrant Officer in 1998, he was posted to 405 MP squadron and in 2000 he was promoted to Master Warrant Officer and posted to 1 Canadian Air Division HQ. In 2006 was as promoted and posted to Canadian Forces Air Navigation School as the school CWO. In 2008 he was appointed 8 Wing CWO before deploying as the Joint Task Force-Afghanistan Air Wing CWO in 2011.

Honours and decorations

West has received the following decorations during his military career:

He received the Meritorious Service Medal for his 2011 leadership efforts in Afghanistan.

In addition to these medals, Kevin West has also received the following: