Kevin West

Chief Warrant Officer Kevin C. West, is a warrant officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force. He is the current Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer and therefore the most senior non-commissioned member of the Canadian Forces. He was previously the Chief Warrant Officer of the RCAF.

Military career
In the summer of 1983, West joined the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve as a signalman. In January 1985, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy 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 to the Royal Canadian 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.

Honours and decorations
He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.