An Abbotsford resident has graduated from the year-long air combat systems officer course in Winnipeg.
Lt. Ryan Mitchell finished first in his class and was awarded the James R. Dow Trophy for his outstanding results during flight training.
He will now be flying out of Comox, B.C. on board a CP-140 Aurora aircraft directing tactical missions locally and abroad.
Air combat systems officers are tasked to direct missions on board a variety of Canadian Armed Forces aircraft and manage crew operations.
They operate precise tactical navigation systems, sophisticated sensors, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment and weapon delivery systems.
They lead a variety of missions, including search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, counter-narcotics operations, electronic warfare and humanitarian relief.
Mitchell graduated from Abbotsford Collegiate in 2009 and is the son of Colleen and Andy Mitchell of Abbotsford.
He enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 2012 and completed the air combat system officer course on March 7 at 402 squadron in Winnipeg.