LT COL GANNEY DORTCH
CHIEF OF STAFF
Major Ganney Dortch took command of the Belize Defence Force Air Wing (BDFAW) in late 2001 and has served in the BDF since 1991. As Commanding Officer he is responsible for the management, training and logistical requirement of the Air Wing. Additionally he is responsible for the timely briefing of the Commander Belize Defence Force on all Air related matters as it affect the infantry orientated Defence force.
Major Ganney Dortch hails from the most southern town of the Belizean Rainforest known as Punta Gorda. Born on September 3, 1969, Major Dortch is a disciplined and determined individual. With his ambition and persistence, he was able to complete both elementary and secondary education by August of 1986. Belize Technical College was next, where he obtained his Associate Degree in Arts and Science. Education was still a yarning and Major Dortch pressed on and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education from the University College of Belize in 1991.
Work was next and Major Dortch started a career, teaching Biology, Chemistry and Math at Anglican Cathedral College. This lasted three year as the Major was again looking for another challenge. In 1991, Major Dortch attended Canadian Force Flying Training School where he earned his pilot wings. In 1992 he earned his commission as a graduate from the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell, United Kingdom. Prior to assuming his present position, the major has served as pilot in command, flight screening officer, and qualified flying instructor.
Major Dortch have attended various military course the latest being search and rescue administrator course which was held in Singapore. He is a command / instructor pilot with more than 4000 flying hours, including 1200 instructional hours.
EDUCATION
1986 Associate Degree in Arts and Science, Belize Technical College
1991 Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education from the University College of Belize
1992 Primary Flight Training course, Canada
1993 Initial officer Training School, RAF Cranwell, England
1997 Pilot Instructor Training, USAF, Lackland AF Base
1997 Qualified Flying Instructor, Central Flying School, England
2001 Junior Command and Staff Course, Jamaica
2003 Search and Rescue Administrator Course, Singapore
ASSIGNMENTS
June 1990 - appointed officer cadet
June 1991- student pilot BDF Air Wing
February 1993 - Pilot in Command BDF Air Wing
September 1997 - Training Captain BDF Air Wing
2001 - appointed Commanding Officer BDF Air Wing
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command pilot, Pilot Instructor, Qualified Flying Instructor, Instrument Rating Examiner
Flight Hours: More than 4000 hrs, including 1200 instructional hours
Aircraft Flown: CT 134 A, MKT1, PBN2B/2A, C-182J, T3A, T67M,
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
15 Years Anniversary Medal
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant Feb 1992
First Lieutenant Feb 1994
Captain Dec 1997
Major Dec 2001
Lieutenant Colonel 2008