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 orange coveralls lean on a bunk in an aircraft.

Woods hike not the ideal SAR

A ten-hour walking rescue tests the mettle of RCAF SAR Techs.
September 14, 2020

A photo of a man wearing a blue uniform, a wedge hat and glasses.

17 Wing Honorary Colonel Stuart Murray receives the Order of Manitoba

A lifetime dedication to public service has led to 17 Wing Winnipeg’s Honorary Colonel Stuart Murray receiving the Order of Manitoba.
September 11, 2020

A photo taken from the cockpit of a helicopter flying over water. Through the aircraft windshield, a ship can be seen. On the right, in the helicopter, is a man wearing a flight helmet.

Search and rescue means changing priorities in an instant

Officer Cadet (now captain) Victor Weston recounts how a routine flight rapidly became a full-blown search and rescue operation, a reality that SAR Techs face every day.
September 8, 2020

Two men and one woman wearing dark blue uniforms hold a citation.

What are the chances? NATO Meritorious Service Medal recipient Major Gillian Parker

Major Parker has fit a lot into almost 28 years in the CAF. Her latest achievement: the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding work during her posting to NATO Allied Air Command.
August 28, 2020

A woman wearing a military disruptive pattern uniform sits beside a chocolate-coloured Labrador dog. She has her right arm wrapped around the animal.

Celebrating International Dog Day: How a service dog can change your life

To celebrate International Dog Day, we'd like to share how a two-year-old Texan named Dodger changed the life of a Canadian Armed Forces member.
August 26, 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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