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 smiling woman wearing a disruptive pattern uniform stands in front of a jet fighter.

Our people: Major Jane Yoon, Air Task Force A4 for Operation Laser

Instead of finalizing the logistics of her much-anticipated wedding, Major Jane Yoon answered the call of duty as Air Task Force A4 for Operation Laser, the CAF’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
May 12, 2020

A circular silver metal badge with a globe, a laurel wreath and maple leaf.

New CAF Space Specialist Skill Badge

Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have achieved a combination of formal space qualifications and experience are now eligible to proudly wear the Space Specialist Skill Badge.
May 11, 2020

A smiling man in a olive green flight suit holding a pilot’s helmet stands in front of a grey helicopter.

Our people: Major Matthew Dukowski heads up Air Detachment (Atlantic) for Operation Laser

“When things get bad, people look to us,” says Major Matthew Dukowski, Air Detachment (Atlantic) Commander for Operation Laser, the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to the novel coronavirus global pandemic.
April 23, 2020

A woman wearing a disruptive pattern uniform sits at a desk with a laptop.

Our people: Warrant Officer Tina Koutras

Using knowledge and experience she acquired in her civilian roles as a motivational coach and online entrepreneur, Warrant Officer Tina Koutras is keeping the information flowing at 12 Wing Shearwater, Nova Scotia, during the COVID-19 epidemic.
April 15, 2020

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

Past

A woman wearing a blue military uniform plays the bugle under a big tree among tomb stones in a cemetery.

“Last Post” presents challenges for buglers

Many people cannot hear “Last Post” without tearing up. For the people who sound it, suppressing an emotional reaction is not the only challenge.
November 10, 2020

An engraved granite memorial with a crumpled piece of metal resting on the ground on one side, and a remembrance wreath resting on a stand on the other side.

Delta 673’s lost airmen commemorated

Eighty years after they mysteriously vanished, the aircrew of Northrop Delta 673 were commemorated and a granite monument unveiled in their honour on September 14, 2019, deep in the New Brunswick woods.
November 9, 2020

A man wearing a tan camouflage uniform and blue beret holding a camera.

We remember Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede

Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, a military image technician serving with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, was killed when the Chinook helicopter he was a passenger in crashed on May 30, 2007.
November 9, 2020

Five men wearing flying gear stand in a row in front of a Second World War aircraft. One is holding a young black labrador dog.

The hero around the corner

Lewis Johnstone Burpee, one of those who died during the famed Dambusters' Raid, was from a neighbourhood called the Glebe in Ottawa and a graduate of nearby Lisgar Collegiate Institute. Author Dave O’Malley, who lives and works in the same neighbourhood, ponders Lewis’ life and death.
November 6, 2020

An elderly woman and man wearing blazers with medals sit on a couch, looking at each other and smiling.

Second World War RCAF couple recognized

Corporal (retired) Anne McNamara and Flying Officer (retired) Howard McNamara are featured on this year's Veterans Affairs Canada’s Veterans' Week poster.
November 4, 2020

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