Following a well-established Borden tradition, commemorative pins were produced once again this year to mark the anniversary of the birth of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on 1 April 1924. The tradition of producing these lapel pins featuring a different theme aircraft each year goes back 30 years in Borden, “Birthplace of the RCAF.”
As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the retirement from CF service of the Canadair CP-107 Argus aircraft, the maritime patrol aircraft has been chosen as this year's theme aircraft and will be featured on the anniversary pin. Designed and built in Canada, the Argus was introduced into RCAF service in 1957. It was considered at the time the most technologically advanced anti-submarine warfare aircraft in the world. With a flight crew of eight and an additional seven sensor operators, the aircraft flew missions often in excess of 20 hours. It was replaced in its role by the CP-140 Aurora in 1981.
RCAF 88th Anniversary pins are now for sale at $3.00 each at the CFB Borden CANEX, at the Orderly Rooms of 16 Wing and the Air Command Academy, and at the students and staff canteens of the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering. For more information, contact Master Warrant Officer Normand Marion at 705-424-1200, local 2815.
