Brigadier General Kevin Whale
Professional affiliation
Full Biography
Originally from Wallaceburg, Ontario, BGen Whale enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 under the Regular Officer Training Plan. Achieving his pilot's wings in 1990, he has achieved operational qualifications on Kiowa, Twin Huey, AH-64A/C Apache and Griffon helicopters providing a comprehensive background in tactical aviation mobility, reconnaissance, and aerial firepower operations.
His staff experience includes Training and Concept Development within 1 Wing Headquarters, Kingston, Chief of Staff at the Canadian Defence Academy, Kingston, and various strategic level positions at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa including the Canadian Forces Transformation Team, the Directorate of Air Strategic Plans, Acting Director General Air Readiness and Special Advisor to the Minister of National Defence.
BGen Whale's command and leadership roles have included those of a US Army Aviation Attack Platoon Leader and Aviation Battalion Battle Captain, Squadron Deputy Commanding Officer (400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Borden), Squadron Commanding Officer (427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, Petawawa) and Wing Commander (1 Wing HQ, Kingston).
His international experience includes an assignment with 444 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Germany, an exchange posting with the US Army, 1st Battalion/4th Aviation Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas, a flying tour on OP PALLADIUM in Bosnia, integration of Special Operations Aviation Detachments in Afghanistan and as Chief of Current Operations on OP MOBILE (Libya) in NATO's Combined Joint Task Force Headquarters, Naples, Italy.
His professional development and education include a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Western Ontario, a M.Sc. in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University, Vermont, the Land Forces Transition Command and Staff Course, Kingston, and the Joint Command and Staff Program and the National Security Program at the Canadian Forces College, Toronto.
BGen Whale's recognized achievements include a US Army Commendation for contribution to the US Army Task Force XXI program, a Commander 1 Canadian Air Division Commendation for aviation project development, a Chief of the Air Staff Commendation for Air Force strategy development, and two Chief of Defence Staff Commendations for his service during OP MOBILE and for contributions to RCAF readiness.
BGen Whale is currently the Director General & Component Commander - Space, National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa.
