More than 2 000 missions controlled

On April 18, Capt. Sean Lazell, a member of the 12th Radar Squadron, marked a milestone by completing his 2,000th controlled mission, a remarkable feat within the Air Battle Manager (ABM) community.

This stage is impressive not only in terms of numbers, but also because of the diversity of the missions accomplished. It should be noted that he has been involved in air traffic control since 1999 and was stationed at the NORAD Command Center for Canadian Air Defense during the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Additionally, he served on the Airborne Surveillance and Control System as a controller, was deployed as a member of a tactical air control team and forward air controller and provided protion, tection to the President of the United States. United in the Eastern sector of defense.

Despite this remarkable accomplishment, Captain Lazelle remains modest. “It’s rare that people control so many missions, especially because it’s rare that someone stays captain as long as me in this profession,” he says, laughing, half seriously. It must be said that Captain Lazell obtained his qualification in combat mission management in 1999, 25 years ago this year, which is quite rare for a controller still active.

Indeed, even if he had the opportunity to find himself behind a desk in 2018, he preferred to return to control as an air combat manager in Bagotville to complete his career. “I wasn’t cut out to do paperwork. I love what I do and I’m happy to come to work every morning. In addiI have the chance to train new controllers and help them improve,” adds Capt Lazell.

Even if we officially marked a 2,000th control mission, this is in fact only those that he compiled. “I started keeping a journal of my control missions after a while in the Forces, so I've certainly been involved in more operations than that. I am very happy to have been able to live so many experiences all over the world,” concludes the man we nickname Peaches.

Until he retires, in principle in August 2025, Captain Lazell will continue to take part in the operations of the 12th Radar Squadron in Bagotville and act as a mentor for numerous air combat managers. His passion for tactical control is truly inspiring and still alive today.