Message from the Chief of the Air Staff

Way Ahead Looks Bright for Air Force's 83rd Year of Service

LGen Lucas and Defence Minister, the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, meet in Trenton to discuss Air Force issues on March 6, 2006. Photo by: DND

As the Air Force completes its 82nd year of service to Canadians, there is much to reflect upon, and much more to look forward to. The past year has brought tremendous change and challenge as Canada reinvests in its Air Force. Following a decade of cutbacks and downsizing, increases to the defence budget and plans for the acquisition of new and modernized equipment are encouraging.  Opportunities are opening up for Canadians, as the Canadian Forces (CF) sets out to increase its numbers, offering challenging career opportunities with competitive pay and benefit packages. 

From its genesis on April 1, 1924, the Air Force has always been a strong and proud force, ensuring the security of Canadians while contributing to peace — sometimes at a cost of great sacrifice.  This sacrifice continues today, as men and women contribute to the economic, environmental and military security of Canadians.  Whether watching over the approaches to North America or flying into Afghanistan and many other corners of the world, the Air Force continues to be relevant and responsive to the security needs of Canadians. 

New Government

In January, Canadians elected a new government whose platform calls for increased support to the Canadian Forces.  Already, the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, our new Minister of National Defence, has visited Air Force Wings and has demonstrated a keen interest in what the men and women of the Air Force are doing.  He has also shown interest in the numerous Air Force projects that are underway or planned.  Having enjoyed a career in the military, rising to the rank of Brigadier General, and as a former member of the Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mr. O’Connor, a former defence critic in the House of Commons, brings an understanding of the strengths and challenges of the Canadian Forces to his new office, at a critical time in our history; as the Canadian Forces continues down the path of irreversible transformation.

Transformation

Less than one year into the transformation of the CF, the military has already been restructured to make it more effective, responsive and relevant to the security needs of Canadians in the 21st Century.  Four new Commands have been created to focus on the operational employment of integrated air, land and sea units in Canada and in the international arena.  Additionally there has been a clear delineation between strategic and operational levels of commands.  The Air Force itself has restructured its headquarters to support these changes and is now well positioned to provide aerospace forces that support operational commanders through the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division.  The current Air Force structure permits centralized control and decentralized execution of aerospace missions.  This model permits the most efficient and most effective use of our high-value assets in support of the operational objectives of the CF.

The change in the structure of the CF, along with clear direction and new and modernized capabilities, such as those delivered by the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles and the CP-140 Long Range Patrol Aurora Aircraft, provide tremendous benefits to the operational commanders.  The modernized CF-18 is a highly effective platform, capable of contributing to peace and security, whether in North America as part of the NORAD alliance, or in places such as Afghanistan, where it can serve as a deterrent or deliver weapons with pinpoint accuracy.  Air mobility for the CF is being addressed as a high priority.  There is acknowledgement at all levels that the capability being delivered by the current fleet of Hercules aircraft needs to be replaced as soon as possible.  New tactical helicopters are also needed to support our operations in Afghanistan, while the need for new aircraft for Search and Rescue and for operations in the North are high on the Minister’s priority list.

But most important to the Air Force and its future are its people.  Highly qualified and dedicated professionals, who put service to their country before self, make Canada’s Air Force highly respected around the world. I have spent much of my time as Commander of Air Command and Chief of the Air Staff meeting and talking with the men and women who serve Canada so well. It is a tremendous pride and honour to be able to lead them into the future.

Feedback

I would like to encourage you to send your comments, questions and suggestions to crewbrief@forces.gc.ca in order that we can address issues of concern to you in future publications of this newsletter.