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Volume 54 Number 14
www.couriernews.ca
April 6, 2021
RCAF celebrates 97 years of service On Thursday, April 1, 2021, the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrated its 97th birthday
Aviator Avery Philpott
4 Wing Cold Lake conducted a large formation flypast over the city of Cold Lake with six Royal Canadian Air Force CT-155 Hawks and 15 Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornets to celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 97th Birthday on April 1. 2021. JOANNA CALDER
airmen for service with the RFC (which became the Royal Air Force (RAF) on When the First World War broke April 1, 1918, when it amalgamated out, Canadians were eager take to the with the Royal Naval Air Service). A skies, flying the newest technological Canadian Air Force would not come development in warfare – the airplane. into being until late 1918. But those who wanted to join Great Camp Borden – now Canadian Britain’s Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Forces Base Borden – in Ontario was generally transferred from the Army the RFCC’s main base. In January after serving in the trenches of Europe 1917, a group of RFC officers, led by or obtained a basic flying certificate Lieutenant-Colonel Cuthbert Hoare, from a private company in Canada and arrived at Camp Borden, which had then travelled to Great Britain in hopes been used as a camp by the Canadian of being selected. There was no military Expeditionary Force the previous year. aviation training available in Canada, Under Lieutenant-Colonel Hoare’s and no Canadian Air Force. leadership, RFCC built Canada’s first In 1917, the era of military flying station and – at Borden and other aviation dawned in Canada with the locations – trained thousands of aircrew establishment of the Royal Flying Corps for service overseas, as well as training Canada (RFCC) in southern Ontario. their instructors and the groundcrew Its goal: to recruit and train Canadian and support staff needed to keep the
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students airborne. The first Canadian Air Force During the “Great War”, Canadians took to combat flying so well that, by the spring of 1918, the government of Prime Minister Robert Borden pressed for the development of an air wing, consisting of eight squadrons, for service with the Canadian Corps in France. But Britain wanted to keep talented Canadian air and ground crew within the RAF and they succeeded in limiting the number of Canadian squadrons. Nevertheless, on August 5, 1918, the British Air Ministry announced the formation of two RAF squadrons to be manned entirely by Canadians. A Canadian Order-in-Council confirmed the formation of the Canadian Air Force (CAF) on September 19 for “the
purposes of the present war”. The CAF was created too late in the First World War for significant growth. Six more squadrons were planned for service in Europe, but with the war’s end on November 11, 1918, the plans were not implemented. What would become of the fledgling CAF? “In the immediate aftermath of the First World War, Canada’s need for an air force was not readily identifiable,” says W.A.B. Douglas in the second volume of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s official history. “The country faced no discernible external threat. Canadians had little appreciation for expenditures on such esoteric military commitments. Continued on page 8...
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The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
You need to nourish to flourish LISA FISHER, HEALTH PROMOTION SPECIALIST What do you think of when you hear the term “self-care”? Do bubble baths and face masks come to mind? If so, you’re not necessarily wrong, you’re just missing the big picture! The image of self-care that is perpetuated in the media generally focuses solely on pampering yourself, and neglects to discuss the other components of self-care that are incredibly important. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”. Furthermore, it states that self-care includes hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental factors, socioeconomic factors, and self-medication. There are a couple downsides to believing that self-care is bubble baths and face masks. First, you may not be interested in taking a bath or slathering mud all over your face. Second, you may believe that self-care is a separate activity that you need to make time for. Although there are aspects that do take time, self-care is actually intertwined within your daily life in the way that you take care of your
physical and psychological self all day, every day. Self- a break when you need to and practice routine behavcare includes, but is not limited to, how we eat, how iours such as decompression time after work or after a we move, how we sleep, and how to maintain and difficult situation. Speaking to a mental health profesimprove our mental health. It also includes practi- sional is also highly recommended, not only for those cal aspects of our daily lives, such as having a clean who are struggling with mental health, but also for home. Self-care also doesn’t need to be expensive; those who may want to learn more effective emotional you may not have the budget for weekly massages, skills. costly apps, organic foods or spa days. That’s okay. It’s also important to connect with others and feel We can buy healthy non-organic foods, use free apps, a connection to our community. Humans are, at their take a walk in nature or practice deep breathing on basic, communal and social beings. Find ways to forge our own. new relationships, and maintain current relationships, To care for your physical body, create a routine with friends, family, neighbours and those in your that allows you to maintain a healthy eating pattern, community. engage in regular physical activity, have seven to nine The 4 Wing Health Promotion Team is focushours of quality sleep per night, and practice good hy- ing on self-care for their April campaign. Follow giene to discourage illness. Remember that your rou- @4WingConnection on Facebook and @4wingtine may need to be flexible, based on your work and healthpromotion on Instagram to learn more about personal commitments. You may not have the time self-care, including some great self-care strategies. to spend an hour at the gym every day; however, you Although our in-person courses are currently on hold, could bike to work or go for a walk as a family in the we welcome individuals who are interested in attendevening. ing future courses to contact us at 4WGHealthPromoTo care for your psychological self, learn how to tion to be added to the waitlist. cope with stressors positively and actively, as well as References anger-generating situations. Take advantage of free World Health Organization (2021). Self-care instress management, mindfulness, or meditation apps, terventions for health. https://www.who.int/health-topand engage in mind-body practices such as yoga. Take ics/self-care#tab=tab_1
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Publié hebdomadairement avec la permission du Commandant de l’escadre, le col Moar. Les opinions personnelles exprimées dans ce journal sont celles des collaborateurs et ne représentent pas les opinions de la rédaction, des Forces armées canadiennes ou du Ministrère de la Défense nationale. La rédaction se réserve le droit de refuser, d’éditer ou de condenser tout article et matériel de réclame soumis.
MEMBER OF:
Open to all graduating high school students who are dependents of personnel currently serving at 4 Wing in the CAF (Regular or Reserve) or as DND or NPF employees. The students must be planning on pursuing full-time post-secondary studies at a recognized educational institution (academic or technical), must have maintained a consistent academic standing and have contributed to the community in a demonstrable manner.
The deadline for this year’s submissions is June 4, 2021.
EDITORIAL ADVISOR
The Courier is published weekly with the permission of the 4 Wing Cold Lake Wing Commander Col Moar. The opinions expressed are those of the contributor and do not reflect those of the Editor, Canadian Armed Forces, or DND. The Editor reserves the right to reject, edit, or condense any editorial or advertising material.
Application process:
The most important application requirement is the 500-word essay on either ‘Leadership’, ‘Quality of Life’ or ‘Community Spirit’. Students must provide a clear and well thought out presentation of what their selected quality means to them and illustrate that quality’s influence in their own lives.
THE COURIER STAFF
4 WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Capt Rachel Brosseau
CWO Peter Stauffer Memorial Scholarships were created by the Medley CFB Society in honour of Peter Stauffer, the Wing Chief Warrant Officer and an active member of the Society from July 2000 until July 2004, who passed away due to cancer September 19, 2004. In Peter Stauffer’s name, the Society presents three $2500.00 Scholarships each academic year.
Should there be any questions regarding the CWO Peter Stauffer Memorial Scholarships and the application process, please contact the 4 Wing CWO EA, Sgt Nicholas Broczkowski at telephone 780-840-8000 ext 8112 or email Nicholas.Broczkowski@forces.gc.ca.
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
Cold Lake
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For all Personnel Support Programs and Military Family Resource Centre Society activities, be sure to check out our calendar at www.cafconnection.ca/cold-lake #GetConnected
WANT TO REGISTER, OR NEED MORE INFORMATION? • 4 WING MFRCS - BUILDING 674, KINGSWAY RD. 780.594.6006 • PSP 780.840.8000 EXT 7823 • MESSES - JJ Gray 780.840.8000 EXT 8139 A division of CF Morale & Welfare Services Une division des Services de bien-être et moral des FC
CAFconnection.ca
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
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Health Promotion’s Feature Friday initiative
GET CONNECTED GET CONNECTED with our website CAFconnection OR
LOOK US UP on Facebook 4 Wing Connection
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Submitted
It’s time for #FeatureFriday! Health Promotion’s featured member: MCpl Northcott is an Avionics Systems Technician who has been posted to 4 Wing Cold Lake since May 2008. To maintain good health, MCpl Northcott is physically active through physical activities such as ice hockey, ball hockey and running. His healthy hobbies include skating, fishing, playing basketball and running. “Good health is important to me because it keeps me happy. I find physical activities, especially sports, keep my physical fitness at a high level and I find it very beneficial for my mental health.” Would you like to be featured in the series? Contact 4WGHealthPromotion@ forces.gc.ca!
5213 - 51 Ave Cold Lake www.lakecentredental.com
Pet of the Week at the Lakeland Humane Society
Photo of the Week From Your 4 Wing Imagery Team
Meet Gus... seriously, everyone needs to meet Gus!! Good Looks, yes he has them, but hugs.... OMG!! He is the best at giving hugs!! Submit your application to meet this loyal man!
GUS SPONSORED BY: Dr. Greg Benoit Dr. Robyn Shipclark Dr. Laura Kutryk 5508 - 50 Ave. PO Box 10 Cold Lake, AB. T9M 1P1
Phone 780-594-1255 Fax: 780-594-2714
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Corporal Jade Le Bel, a firefighter with 4 Mission Support Squadron sits in the cab of newly acquired “Red 11” Crash Response Vehicle during night-time familiarization drills on February 19, 2021 at 4 Wing Cold Lake.
Business Hours are currently: Mon - Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Food/Prescription sales by delivery only. Text (780-573-0927) or Email: centreanimalhospital83@gmail.com Drop-off appointments preferred, doors are locked and pets are handed to staff on arrival. Clients are not in the appointments. Please follow our Facebook Page for current changes.
www.AnimalHealtHProviders.com
24 Hour emergency services d/o Animal Health Providers Ltd.
Page 4
The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
It’s our turn to have your back
C’est à notre tour de veiller sur vous
With home and auto insurance made for you
Avec de l’assurance auto et habitation conçue juste pour vous
Get a quote for militaryexclusive coverage.
Demandez une soumission pour nos protections exclusives aux militaires
canex.thepersonal.com 1-888-476-8737
Certain conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply. The Personal refers to The Personal General Insurance Inc. in Quebec and The Personal Insurance Company in all other provinces and territories. Auto insurance is not available in MB, SK and BC due to government-run plans and cannot be transferred if you relocate to those provinces.
canex.lapersonnelle.com 1 888 476-8737
Certaines conditions, limitations et exclusions peuvent s’appliquer. La Personnelle désigne La Personnelle, assurances générales inc. au Québec et La Personnelle, compagnie d’assurances dans les autres provinces et territoires. L’assurance auto n’est pas offerte au MB, en SK ni en BC, où il existe des régimes d’assurance gouvernementaux, et ne peut être transférée si vous déménagez dans l’une de ces provinces.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
The Courier News & Publishing
Canada renews its military contribution to support stability in the Middle East MARCH 30, 2021 – OTTAWA – NATIONAL DEFENCE / CANADIAN ARMED FORCES Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, announced that the Government of Canada is extending Operation IMPACT until March 31, 2022. The purpose of Operation IMPACT is to build the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, and help set the conditions for security and stability. This one-year renewal of Operation IMPACT will allow the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to continue to play an important role in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. As part of the Global Coalition and NATO Mission Iraq, the CAF will continue to work with its partners and Allies to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh and promote regional stability. The renewal of Operation IMPACT will also allow the CAF to continue to provide training and capacity-building assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces, the Jordanian Armed Forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces.
“Canada will remain a reliable partner in multinational operations around the world. By renewing Operation IMPACT, we are reinforcing Canada’s support to our NATO Allies and our partners in the Global Coalition, and continuing our important work in the Middle East. The Canadian Armed Forces continues to help build the conditions for stability and security in the region.” The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence Since Operation IMPACT began in 2014, Canada has been consistent in supporting our partners in the Middle East, helping to support peace and security. The CAF’s presence in the Middle East supports regional partners’ security forces,
improving security in the region. The international response against Daesh has reduced the suffering of many vulnerable populations. We will continue to stand with our partners and Allies to help bring security and stability to the region.
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Quick Facts • Canada’s military efforts are diverse and include: o Contributions to the Global Coalition; o Contributions to NATO Mission Iraq (NMI); and o Contributions to building the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. • The one-year extension of Operation IMPACT includes the authority to deploy up to 850 Canadian Armed Forces personnel in support of the Global Coalition, NMI and capacity-building activities with the Jordanian Armed Forces and Lebanese Armed Forces. • Canada has contributed to the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh since it was established in 2014. In support of the Global Coalition, Canada conducts train, advise and assist operations with the Iraqi Security Forces and deploys three Griffon helicopters and associated personnel to enhance in-theatre tactical transport, including casualty evacuations, if required. • Canada commanded NMI for two consecutive years, from the start of the mission in 2018 until November 2020, when Denmark assumed command. NMI is a non-combat advisory, training, and capacity-building mission. This role complements Canada’s efforts as part of the Global Coalition and Canada’s ongoing commitments towards creating a safe and stable Iraq. • Canada’s current contribution to NMI includes 17 Canadian Armed Forces personnel. • Joint Task Force IMPACT headquarters continues to operate in Kuwait and includes an Air Detachment comprising two CC-130J Hercules Tactical Airlift aircraft. Its movement of personnel and cargo in the joint area of operations is contributing significantly to Coalition, NATO, and bilateral efforts to build the military capacity of partner nations in the region through its safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
Grappling Chief Official wanted THE COURIER The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Sports Program is seeking a volunteer for the position of CAF Grappling Chief Official. The Chief Official position for the sport of Grappling will include the 2021 - 2024 Championships (4-year
position). It is open to CAF military members (Regular Forces, Class B Reservist IAW CANFORGEN 165/15) or full-time employees of the Canadian Armed Forces Morale and Welfare Services. The CAF Chief Official will be selected based on their technical background, sporting experience,
and suitability. Each candidate will April 2021. undergo a formal selection process Should you have any questions including an interview and aptitude or require further clarification assessment based on the shared regarding the position or application competencies of the Canadian Forces process, please contact Denis Morale and Welfare Services. All Gaboury (gaboury.denis@cfmws.com) applications must be received by the or Jerry Ingham (jerry.ingham@ National Sport Coordinator, (taillefer. forces.gc.ca) at 780-840-8000 jessica@cfmws.com) no later than 16 local 8195.
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Tuesday, April 6, 2021
A virtual group for relatives of CAF members YVES BÉLANGER, SERVIR Almost two years ago, two volunteers from the Military Family Resource Center Montreal Region (MFRC), Joanne Saccomani and Ann Marcotte, launched a private group on Facebook for relatives of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) newcomers. Their goal was to help them better understand how life works in the CAF. Ann Marcotte explains that the duo were already collaborating in the presentations of the Military Life 101 workshops offered to parents and relatives of new CAF members by the MFRC. “We figured a discussion group would be very helpful.” This is how the Families-relatives of the new soldiers group came into being. Its objective is to allow families and
loved ones to discuss her he wanted to enlist. of parents we work with implementing various various topics such as “Suddenly, I was facing well.” activities that will the graduation ceremony an unknown world,” she Group Facebook promote the creation of of the Canadian Forces explains. Currently, the links. Leadership and Recruit Ann Marcotte group Families-friends of School, to share photos maintains that several new military has nearly or carpool offers. “They parents of new soldiers 350 members. The two can talk to each other are in the same situation women hope to get a lot and support each as her accomplice. “Many more. “In fact, we had other. We are also parents are anxious that quite a few projects for available to answer their their child has chosen this group that had to questions,” explains Ms. such a profession. By be put on hold due to Marcotte. helping them better the COVID-19 pandemic. Two realities understand military life, Among other things, The two women, who we are able to appease we wanted to organize saw their son enlist in the them.” in-person networking Forces, admit having a It was while becoming evenings to further very different connection involved with the MFRC promote exchanges with the CAF. A former that Joanne Saccomani between parents and Royal Canadian Navy got to know Ann relatives of military reservist, Ann Marcotte Marcotte. She explains personnel,” says Ann had several members that the chemistry is Marcotte. of her family who made excellent between them. Once the pandemic careers in the military “We complement each is over, the two leaders world. “Watching my son other well. In fact, we of the Facebook group become an officer was represent the two types have every intention of Joanne Saccomani. just normal for me.” It was experienced differently by Joanne Saccomani, who had never had a direct connection to military life before her son told
To access the Facebook group: https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / groups/466154543919591
Submitted
Submitted
Ann Marcotte.
Patience
I
am not the most patient person. This may come as a shock to those of you who know and tolerate me. I have to admit I have often daydreamed while troops sat in my office telling me about their problems, issues, stubbed toes, bruised egos, mashed expectations, deflated dreams, and the general lack of unicorns in the military life. Sorry. That came out badly. This sounds as though I have no patience for the real needs of members and/or their families. That’s not true. But it’s all too easy for any of us (even a padre) to become impatient with our family, our spouse, our job, our posting, our workmates. And I’m as prone to that as anyone. Ask my wife (on second thought – don’t). But impatience is part of our culture. We’re used to receiving everything at once: microwave meals, pizza, cell phone reception, approval. Have you ever found yourself shouting at your computer because Google was taking sooooooooooooo long to open the next page, or because the YouTube video featuring kittens (kittens!!) took an extra 30 seconds to load? I know you have because I have.
Padre Howard Rittenhouse
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Of course, impatience is like a pair of rats: the next thing you know there are 100 rats. In other words, impatience breeds more impatience. We find ourselves dissatisfied with more and more things and people. Quick service at the restaurant isn’t good enough; it must be instantaneous. PT and that wonder powder must achieve muscles like Schwarzenegger in a week rather than a year. Talking to the padre about one’s relationship must result in marital bliss yesterday rather than realizing that things have been fractured for so long it’s going to take just as long (or longer) to work them out. (I sense some of you are wondering what my point is: just be patient!) What makes so many things in life (marriage, work, family, faith, health, friends) more difficult than perhaps they need to be is what the author Gore Vidal analyzed as “today’s passion for the immediate and the casual.” We’re all in a hurry. We all want short cuts. We’re all impatient for results. And we don’t want to work for it. Heaven forfend! But the things that really matter (marriage, work,
family, faith, health, friends) aren’t made in a day, aren’t grown in a minute, aren’t slapped together like a piece of Ikea furniture (that you’ll only have to return next week because it broke or is missing a part. And what is it about Ikea, anyway?! Does it mean “utter crap” in Swedish? Sorry. Sorry. Back to my point). They take effort and time; they need to be nurtured and cared for; they need devotion and attention. The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche saw this area (if few others) with great clarity: “The essential thing ‘in heaven and earth’ is … that there should be a long obedience in the same direction; there thereby results, and has always resulted in the long run, something which has made life worth living.” It’s this “long obedience in the same direction” which our society and culture does so much to discourage. Impatience fits as well with this “long obedience” as a Bieber fan at a Black Sabbath concert. Practice this “long obedience in the same direction” - the things in life that matter are worth it.
howard.rittenhouse@forces.gc.ca
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
ENTERTAINMENT The Courier News & Publishing
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HOROSCOPES
Crossword ACROSS 1. One who manufactures 6. Science degree 9. Database management system 13. Desert 14. Inventor Musk 15. Welsh valley 16. Round Dutch cheese 17. Saying 18. Comedian and TV host 19. Uppermost portions of the brain 21. City in Transylvania 22. Where astronauts go 23. Men’s hairstyle 24. Indicates position 25. One point east of due south 28. Businessmen may have one 29. Grass part 31. Running back Gurley 33. Unwavering 36. Options 38. Annoy 39. Greek mountain 41. Pastas 44. Fishes 45. Wrap 46. Potentially a criminal (slang) 48. Seize 49. The Constitution State 51. Upset
52. 1991 men’s Wimbledon champ 54. Central Chinese province 56. Predisposition 60. A notice of someone’s death 61. One-time Kentucky Rep. 62. Swiss river 63. Dried-up 64. Finger millet 65. __ Allan Poe 66. German river 67. Brew 68. Kenyan river DOWN 1. Millisecond 2. Acts as military assistant 3. Knot in a tree 4. Husband-and-wife industrial designers 5. The Ocean State 6. Point the finger at 7. Parts in a machine 8. Midway between northeast and east 9. Portray precisely 10. Blister 11. Mental illness 12. Nose of an animal 14. What students receive 17. Semitic peoples 20. Beats per minute 21. Family of drugs 23. Atrocious
25. Type of microscope (abbr.) 26. __ or bust 27. Icelandic poems 29. A citizen of Pakistan 30. Very pale 32. Metric linear unit 34. Sea eagle 35. Biblical judge of Israel 37. Isaac’s mother (Bib.) 40. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.) 42. Cool! 43. Large hotel room
47. Type of boat (abbr.) 49. Picked 50. Type of hookah 52. Attack 53. Directs 55. Belgian WWII resistance fighter 56. Finished negotiation 57. Heroic tale 58. Middle Eastern country 59. Protein-rich liquids 61. Malaysian Isthmus 65. Spielberg’s alien
CAPRICORN - December 22 - January 19 This may not be a good week to travel, Capricorn. Look over your itinerary again and try to reconfigure them so you can travel later on instead. AQUARIUS - January 20 - February 18 Aquarius, trust your gut instinct about big financial moves regardless of any advice you’re getting from others. You’ll likely see that now isn’t the time for spending. PISCES - February 19 - March 20 A bumpy start to the week that has you questioning several choices will smooth out, Pisces. The weekend will be very productive. ARIES - March 21 - April 19 Now may be a great time to reevaluate your finances, Aries. Investments could be the right path for now, but you may want to seek some professional advice. TAURUS - April 20 - May 20 A message from a business partner could bring welcome news, Taurus. This might be the break you are waiting for at this juncture in your life. Career changes could be in store. GEMINI - May 21 - June 21 Gemini, expect to engage in a very interesting conversation this week. This person has not crossed your path in a while, and the reconnection sparks new goals. CANCER - June 22 - July 22 Cancer, frustrations could arise that make you want to vent some anger. Channel your energy into something productive, such as a kickboxing class. LEO - July 23 - August 22 Obstacles at work or home interfere with your ability to work efficiently, Leo. Even though tasks may take you a little longer, don’t throw in the towel just yet. VIRGO - August 23 - September 22 Virgo, do your best to lighten the atmosphere around the house this week. Encourage others to kick up their heels and keep the focus on fun and fun alone. LIBRA - September 23 - October 22 Avoid any drama or chaos that may surround you this week, Libra. Others may seem on edge, but you can remain calm. Quarantine yourself at home and the storm will blow over. SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21 Scorpio, even though a few setbacks come your way, your financial situation still looks very promising this week. Figure out how to capitalize on this favorable position. SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 21 You are usually laid back and calm, Sagittarius. However, when something goes against your beliefs this week you are ready to stand up for morals or concerns.
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To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: - Each of the nine vertical columns - Each of the nine horizontal rows - Each of the nine 3x3 boxes Remember no number can occur more than once in any column, row, or box. Answers can be found at www.couriernews.ca.
Weekly Answers
For this week’s answers, check out our website at www.couriernews.ca
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The Courier News & Publishing
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Royal Canadian Air Force celebrated its 97th birthday ...continued from front page “The short-lived Canadian Air Force…had been left in limbo by the Armistice.” By February 5, 1920, the two CAF squadrons (still cooling their heels overseas) had been disbanded and their personnel sent back to Canada. A new non-permanent Canadian Air Force Fortunately, there were several individuals who pushed for government oversight and development of aviation – both military and civilian. On February 18, 1920, an Order-in-Council authorized a new, part-time, non-permanent CAF with a provisional establishment of 1,340 officers and 3,905 airmen. The first aircraft flown by the new CAF were actually gifts from Great Britain and the United States following the end of the war. Canada also inherited the RFCC stations that had been established in Ontario and CAF training was concentrated at Camp Borden, Ontario, which had been the main training establishment for the RFCC. The aerodrome portion of Borden, which had remained empty since the RFCC’s departure in January 1919, was taken over by the CAF in July 1920. The CAF became part of a civilian Air Board. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Air Force conducted aerial mapping operations, forest fire, antismuggling and fisheries patrols, and forest surveys, and developed airmail and long-distance flying routes. These operations gave the CAF a raison d’être for continued government funding. This enabled the development of officers and senior non-commissioned members who would later ensure the RCAF made a successful transition from training to wartime operations. A permanent air force is born On January 1, 1923, the Department of National Defence was born from the amalgamation of the Department of Naval Services, the Department of Militia and Defence, and the Air Board. On February 12, 1923, His Majesty King George V bestowed the designation “Royal” on the Canadian Air Force; the Militia Weekly Order of March 12 made the announcement. However, the name didn’t become official until April 1, 1924. On that date, the RCAF became a permanent component of Canada’s defence force and King’s Regulations and Orders for the RCAF came into effect. April 1, 1924, has been celebrated ever since as the birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF began with 62 officers of the Permanent Active Air Force (similar to today’s Regular Force) and four of the Non-Permanent
RCAF
A montage of the three Royal Canadian Air Force badges, original to current, left to right. Active Air Force (similar to the Reserve Force), as well as 262 non-commissioned members. By this time, Borden was the most important station in terms of assets, personnel and flying activities for the new Air Force. The new RCAF adopted the RAF’s motto Per Ardua Ad Astra – Through adversity to the stars – which replaced the CAF’s original motto Sic Itur Ad Astra – Such is the pathway (or “This is the way”) to the stars. The RCAF also adopted the RAF’s blue-grey uniform and, a couple of decades later, also borrowed the RAF’s march past. Air Command is established Fast forward more than four decades to 1968, and the Unification Act that brought the three services into a single, tri-service force called the Canadian Armed Forces. The RCAF got the short end of the stick. While the Navy became Maritime Command and the Army became Mobile (later Land Force) Command, the air force disappeared entirely and its functions were spread among five commands: Maritime, Land Force, Air Defence, Air Transport and Training. Fortunately, Lieutenant-General Bill Carr, the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, knew the division of air assets and the lack of a single command structure wasn’t working – and he was in a position to do something about it. “Unification, when first announced, was – I felt – a good idea,” he said in a 2005 interview. “Within a few years it became apparent that the amalgamation of all the services had particularly impacted the aviation arm in a harmful manner…. “We really needed to create a consolidated organization to properly administer all military
aviation in Canada.” On September 2, 1975, Lieutenant-General Carr’s efforts paid off and Air Command was created. With Lieutenant-General Carr at its helm, the command once again brought all military air assets under a single organization and commander. A new badge was created, showing an eagle rising from a crown. The new command adopted Sic Itur Ad Astra as its motto, which was a return to the motto used by the Canadian Air Force when it was first established in 1920. Royal Canadian Air Force redux In 2011, the air element in the Canadian Armed Forces returned to its historical roots when its original name – Royal Canadian Air Force – was restored. Two years later, the Governor General approved a new badge for the reborn RCAF that reflected both the old and the new. The centre piece of the new badge shows an eagle with its wings outspread, as did the original RCAF badge. But the motto remains that of the original Canadian Air Force and Air Command: Sic Itur Ad Astra. Since then, the RCAF has also put in place a new system of rank insignia that reflects the preunification colours of silver and black, and the rank of “private” has become “aviator”. The RCAF approaches its Centennial On April 1, 2024, the RCAF will commemorate 100 years of independent service to the Canadian Armed Forces. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate, honour and inspire future generations of Canadians to take ownership of Your Air Force. And it will provide an opportunity to explore our past, present and future as a relevant, responsive and effective air and space power.
S1 Erica Seymour
15 Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornets, and 6 Royal Canadian Air Force CT-155 Hawks taxi home in an “Elephant Walk” after a large formation fly-past over the City of Cold Lake to celebrate the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 97th Birthday.