15 Squadron (ATC)

15 Air Traffic Control (ATC) Squadron

15 Air Traffic Control (ATC) Squadron, an integral component of the Chief of Staff Branch of 15 Wing, was established with the reactivation of RCAF Station Moose Jaw in 1952, following its closure as a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aerodrome at the end of the Second World War.

The Squadron consists of both Military Aerodrome and Terminal Control Units, each located in impressive, modern facilities aptly suited to ensuring the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of all air traffic at the Canadian Forces' busiest airbase.

Throughout its history the squadron has established many records, both military and civilian, for its ability to control aircraft. In 1966, 15 ATC Squadron controlled 216, 274 movements, which made it the busiest airport (civilian or military) in Canada. It has consistently ranked among the top five busiest airports since that time.

On May 27, 1977, the Squadron controlled a total of 3,301 aircraft takeoffs and landings in a 24-hour period, thereby setting an all-time North American record that has since not been surpassed. This figure is all the more remarkable when one considers that 15 Wing is operational for a limited number of hours daily from Monday to Friday and not on a 24-hour basis as are most civilian facilities.

Striving daily to safely fulfill their motto - "Eyes On The Sky" - the men and women of 15 ATC Squadron pride themselves on being the guardians of not only Canada's Air Force assets, but also of NATO's premier military pilot training airspace.