News

By Holly Bridges

In a continuing effort to transform the Air Force, two fighter squadrons from 4 Wing Cold Lake were consolidated into one yesterday. 

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) presided over a ceremony, attended by several military and civilian dignitaries, including The Honourable Norman L. Kwong Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, that saw the disbandment of 416 and 441 Tactical Fighter Squadrons at 4 Wing Cold Lake and the reforming of 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron.  All three squadrons share a proud and illustrious history from their early formation during the Second World War to more modern-day configurations as fighter and training squadrons at various Air Force Wings across the country. 

"Today is an emotional day," said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas.  "Standing down a squadron is like saying goodbye to an old friend." 

The consolidation of 416 and 441 Sqns is expected to free up more than 25 positions that will fill higher priority positions required to advance both Canadian Forces and Air Force transformation.  The Air Force has consolidated several squadrons over the past year as part of its overall efforts to transform and grow.

"While never easy to disband units and place battle colours behind glass in museums, these particular initiatives have allowed us to advance Air Force transformation by making our operational squadrons more robust, along with freeing up personnel with crucial command and operational experience to seed the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre (CFAWC)," said LGen Lucas.

CFAWC is a high-level think tank located at 8 Wing Trenton which will be the engine of change within the Air Force, developing new ideas and doctrine to guide the Air Force in the future, a future made brighter, according to CAS, by the recent announcement of more than $13-billion in new medium to heavy lift helicopters, and tactical and strategic lift aircraft.

"As I have said on many occasions, the new Canadian Forces vision is very much energized by air power," said CAS.  "By revitalizing and re-building the Air Force, we will be better positioned to support the CF Vision.   Our new defence strategy will be very much focussed on fixing, transforming, equipping and expanding the CF, elements that are all well underway. The capability announcements of last week provide promise for the future and I am confident we will continue to wear the Air Force uniform with pride while continuing to provide outstanding air power throughout our worldwide theatres of operations."

Last summer, 433, 429 and 415 Squadrons stood down to merge with  with 425, 436 and 405 Squadrons at 3 Wing Bagotville, 8 Wing Trenton and 14 Wing Greenwood respectively, while 1 Air Movements Squadron from 17 Wing Winnipeg stood down to merge with 2 Air Movements Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton on June 28.