Hundreds of people came together Saturday to show their support for troops at CFB Trenton. (Jocelyn Elsdon/CBC)Hundreds of people attended a rally Saturday for the troops at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, just a day after the military appointed a new commander to replace Col. Russell Williams.

Col. David Cochrane officially became the new commander Friday, replacing Williams, who is in jail facing two first-degree murder charges and two sexual assault charges.

CFB Trenton is one of the busiest air force bases in Canada, serving as a hub for many air transport and search and rescue operations. After Williams was arrested on Feb. 7, there were reports of tension between local residents and military personnel.

John R. Williams, the mayor of Quinte West, said the rally was an opportunity for community members to show support for their neighbours at the military base.

Col. David Cochrane says staff at CFB Trenton are energized and ready to work. (Kimberly Gale/CBC)"People will understand that it’s about one individual, it’s not about the military," the mayor said.

Crowds of supporters marched down the main strip of the base Saturday morning, waving Canadian flags and carrying signs praising the troops.

"I believe that we have turned the page," Cochrane said Saturday. "We have a new chapter, and we’re moving forward."

Col. Williams, 46, had been base commander since July 2009. He was officially stripped of his command Thursday after a he made a brief court appearance, but he retains the rank of colonel.

Williams was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Jessica Lloyd, 27, and Cpl. Marie-France Comeau, 38, as well as two counts each of sexual assault, forcible confinement and breaking and entering in relation to two home invasions in Tweed, Ont., last September.