Our People

The men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and their civilian colleagues are the RCAF’s greatest strength, the heart of the institution and the foundation upon which the RCAF’s future is built. They are extraordinary and professional, capable of accomplishing great things, setting standards of quality that are respected around the world. Day after day, night after night they contribute directly and indirectly to the delivery of air and space power for our nation.

Our airmen and airwomen are guided and inspired by the achievements of those who have served in the Air Force throughout its history.

Here are some of their stories.

Present

Two men in blue uniforms with medals sit facing the camera, side by side, at a table draped with tartan and backed by three flags. On the table in front of the men are documents and pens.

RCAF Appoints new Reserve Chief Warrant Officer

The Royal Canadian Air Force Reserve welcomed its newly appointed Chief Warrant Officer in a January 21, 2020, ceremony held at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario.
January 30, 2020

A woman wearing a disruptive pattern uniform, a tuque and noise-cancelling headphones sits in a cargo aircraft taking notes.

’Til I am myself again: Taking mental health one moment, one day, at a time

I am writing this to tell you that there is hope. You may hit rock bottom, you may find yourself fighting internally with ugly versions of yourself, or you may even think that you are completely alone. But you are not alone.
January 29, 2020

Cpl Travis Valliquette

Max Flex: The Air Operations Support Technician

Corporal Travis Valliquette joined the RCAF Reserve in Sept, 2017 and is an Air Operations Support Technician at 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario. For this issue of Excelsior, we asked him to describe his occupation as he has experienced it.
January 27, 2020

Four men, three in uniform and one in civilian dress, stand in a row holding certificates.

RCAF members receive first-of-its-kind award

RCAF members met on December 10, 2019, at 4 Wing Headquarters to receive the new Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) Indigenous Relationship award.
January 23, 2020

A photo of two men holding a certificate, one wearing a green flight suit and the other a military camouflage uniform, and a woman dressed in civilian clothes.

RCAF Lieutenant-Colonel John Roper receives U.S. Legion of Merit

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 20, 1942, has awarded the Legion of Merit (Degree of Legionnaire) to Colonel John A. Roper, Royal Canadian Air Force.
January 17, 2020

Past

Four men in uniform walking in front of lines of uniformed individuals.

Farewell to the father of the modern RCAF

On October 14, 2020, the RCAF lost one of its most influential leaders. Referred to as the father of the modern Canadian Air Force, Lieutenant-General William Carr was the driving force in creating “a consolidated organization to properly administer all military aviation in Canada.” He was 97.
October 14, 2020

A man wearing a blue military uniform and wedge hat speaks behind a podium and microphones.

We have been passed the torch, and we must not fail

The national Battle of Britain commemorative ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the epic aerial battle was held on September 20, 2020 in Ottawa. The Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force spoke during the ceremony. Here are his remarks.
September 21, 2020

Two men wearing military uniforms look at a flat round object on a table.

Battle of Britain profile: Wing Commander Arthur Hicklin Warner

Every Canadian who served in the Battle of Britain contributed greatly to the war effort, and one of these many honourable Canadians was Arthur Hicklin Warner.
September 17, 2020

A vintage photograph of a woman.

Battle of Britain profile: Norma Zelia Watts – WAAF radio telephonist

During the Battle of Britain, Norma Zelia Watts was the ground contact for the aircrews that fought back the German Luftwaffe in the British skies.
September 15, 2020

Six men wearing military uniforms with belted tunics, stand in a row.

The Battle of Britain: The RCAF gains new leadership

Many Canadian fighter pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain put their knowledge and experience, gained during the crucial battle, to excellent use as they provided foundational leadership for new squadrons over the following years of the war.
August 20, 2020

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