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

A man wearing a disruptive pattern uniform stands in front of a large heavy-equipment vehicle with a blade on the front.

Our people: Corporal Benjamin Russell

Corporal Benjamin Russell’s favourite thing? The satisfaction of seeing a snow-covered ramp cleared by the end of the day.
March 6, 2020

A man wearing a disruptive pattern uniform stands with his hands on his hips in front of banks of electronics.

Our people: Corporal Adrian Osmond

Corporal Adrian Osmond knows that he and other Aerospace Telecommunication and Information Systems Technicians are “the general go-to techs in the air force.”
March 5, 2020

Sergeant Holly Larabie

The Sky’s No Limit for this RCAF Flight Attendant

Sergeant Holly Larabie is the Flight Attendant Lead with 437 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario. Through the Army Reserve Co-op Program at her high school, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve in February 2005 with the Ontario Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps) in Oshawa, Ontario as an Armoured Reconnaissance Crewman. She completed a Component Transfer to the Regular Force and an Occupation Transfer to Mobile Support Equipment Operator in December 2008, and in July 2017 accepted an opportunity to participate in the Flight Attendant Employment Program.
March 1, 2020

Sergeant Holly Larabie

The Sky’s No Limit for this RCAF Flight Attendant

Sergeant Holly Larabie is the Flight Attendant Lead with 437 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing in Trenton, Ontario. Through the Army Reserve Co-op Program at her high school, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve in February 2005 with the Ontario Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps) in Oshawa, Ontario as an Armoured Reconnaissance Crewman. She completed a Component Transfer to the Regular Force and an Occupation Transfer to Mobile Support Equipment Operator in December 2008, and in July 2017 accepted an opportunity to participate in the Flight Attendant Employment Program.
March 1, 2020

A senior man wearing Canada bib 312 runs on a track.

Track and field for Masters Athletes 3: Physical assessment

A physical assessment is essential before planning your training program.
February 21, 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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