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

In a dirt field, two firefighters in full gear drag a flowing hose from a fire engine toward smoking pieces of metal.

Our people: Lieutenant Jenson Gilby

RCAF Lieutenant Jenson Gilby makes a natural career choice in moving from Platoon Chief of the 12 Wing Fire Department to Construction Engineering Officer.
March 20, 2020

A man wearing an olive green flight suit sits in the cockpit of a helicopter.

Our people: Captain David He

“I feel privileged to be a part of this community at such a rare and exciting time,” says 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron pilot Captain David He.
March 18, 2020

In a large, high-ceilinged hangar and maintenance facility, a woman wearing a disruptive pattern uniform with a flag patch on her shoulder sits at a desk with computers and screens.

Our people: Master Corporal Vicky Fortin

“Being a good leader is so important to me,” says 12 Wing Financial Services Administrator Master Corporal Vicky Fortin; she is mentoring a Private in her section, and wants to be the best example she can be.
March 13, 2020

A woman wearing a disruptive pattern uniform, and gloves and a cap, works on the rotor mechanism of a helicopter.

Our people: Corporal Caylen Dorrington

As an Aviation Systems Technician at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, Corporal Caylen Dorrington enjoys her work, and shares that enjoyment as she passes her skills on to new techs learning the trade.
March 11, 2020

A black-and-white photo of six uniformed women standing in a row with their arms around each other’s waists, looking up.

We have come a long way

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the great accomplishments of women today, but also those of women who paved the way for the generations that followed them.
March 6, 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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