“There’s pathetic fallacy when you have the weather in agreement with the sadness of this particular moment,” remarked Lieutenant General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff, during a rain-soaked ceremony on July 8 marking the disbandment of 429 Transport Squadron.
Acting as presiding officer, CAS also served as witness to the final chapter of a long and prosperous history for this squadron.
“The battle honours proudly displayed are representative of the significant level of personal sacrifice and dedication in service to our great country - characteristics that have become steadfast over the years,” stated LGen Lucas, after recounting the birth of 429 Squadron.
The squadron was first formed on November 7, 1942 as a bomber squadron at Yorkshire, England. After being disbanded twice – once in 1946 and again in 1971 - the squadron’s responsibilities shifted in 1972 from transport to training after becoming part of the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School (CFANS) Flying Squadron and the Instrument Check Pilot (ICP) School.
In 1981, 429 returned to the transport community after a reorganization of Air Command, and moved to Trenton 10 years later.
“Although the missions and tasks for 429 have changed over the years, the dedication, professionalism and teamwork displayed by the men and women of the Bison Squadron continue to be exemplary, ensuring the Squadron’s continual success,” said CAS. “Even though we are disbanding 429 Squadron today, its legacy will continue through the legacy of our war veterans, the generations of air navigators and instrument check pilots trained at the Squadron, the men and women who were recipients of the squadron’s sustainment support, former challengers of Bulls Eye, Cross Check and Rodeo competitions.”
The majority of personnel from 429 Squadron have been folded into 436 Squadron, while others will lend their expertise to the Canadian Forces Transformation project.
“The consolidation of personnel and resources of select squadrons is one of the initial steps in Air Force transformation,” stated LGen Lucas. “As the result of downsizing over the past decade, our operational squadrons are not as robust as they once were. In addition to addressing this ‘hollow squadron’ issue, today’s ceremony will free up personnel with crucial command and operational experience who will be the foundation of the recently announced Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre.
“ Following the laying up of 429 Squadron colours, I encourage you to support the challenge of rebuilding capability not only within the transport community but across the Air Force – providing the capacity to deliver air power to a more integrated and transformed Canadian Forces.”
During an interview with the press prior to Friday’s ceremony, the last serving Commanding Officer of 429 Sqn, Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Hood noted he will always consider his time with 429 as the highlight of his career.
“The squadron has accepted this challenge as its members have accepted every other challenge since 1942 - with professionalism. We'll all be sad to see the Bison colours laid up in the museum, but certainly most people will take away pride in their hard work and dedication,” he stated. “Our proudest accomplishment is that we met all the demands that were placed upon us safely and effectively and continue to do so.”
