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

Three men wearing blue military uniforms and holding pens sit at a table covered with a tartan cloth on which there are documents. Behind the men are three flags.

22 Wing North Bay welcomes its new honorary colonel

On July 23, the members of 22 Wing North Bay welcomed Peter Chirico as their new honorary colonel during a virtual ceremony that boasted hundreds of spectators from across Canada and the United States.
August 4, 2020

Six people wearing military uniforms are in a room. Five of them sit on chairs and the one who is standing gives a patch badge to one of the people sitting.

12 Wing identifies five lead squadron Sentinels

New 12 Wing Lead Squadron Sentinels received their patch during a ceremony held on July 13, 2020.
July 31, 2020

Four men in running gear stand in a line, all grasping a relay baton.

Canadians take M55 4x400m Indoor World Record

Canadian runners capture the M55 4X400m Indoor World Record in Toronto.
July 30, 2020

Three men wearing blue military uniforms stand behind a table covered in tartan and on which are documents. Behind the men, are a big blue and white backdrop and three flags.

1 Canadian Air Division welcomes new commander

The Change of Command Ceremony for 1 CAD/CANR was held in Winnipeg on July 6, 2020. During the ceremony, Major-General Eric Kenny succeeded Lieutenant-General Alain Pelletier as the new Commander of 1 CAD/CANR.
July 24, 2020

Four women run on a track during a track and field competition.

Track and field for Masters Athletes 5: Planning your training phases

Athletes cannot expect ready-made programs to meet their needs. Proper planning will greatly impact success: fail to plan, plan to fail!
July 17, 2020

Past

A youth wearing an Air Force-style uniform and a man wearing a naval uniform face the camera and salute. In the background are a brass band and bagpipers.

"The Polish-Canadian brotherhood in arms"

During the Battle of Britain, Poland’s 303 Squadron, commanded by a Canadian, scored the highest number of victories. The strong friendship between Poland and Canada, forged during the war, endures to this day, as the Polish defence attaché explains.
September 23, 2019

A man wearing a military uniform stands behind a lecturn speaking into a microphone.

“We give thanks, as we have since 1943”

The national Battle of Britain commemorative ceremony was held September 15, 2019 in Ottawa. The commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force was the reviewing officer and keynote speaker. Here are his remarks.
September 20, 2019

An elderly man, wearing a jacket and tartan tie and a wedge cap, with medals on his jacket, stands behind a podium speaking into microphones.

RCAF remembers the valour of “The Few”

On September 15, 2019, the RCAF marked the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a parade at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
September 18, 2019

A montage of two head-and-shoulders photos of men, one wearing military flying clothes and the other wearing a jacket, tie, and “wedge cap”.

Lost in the wild: The mystery of Northrop Delta 673

Two Royal Canadian Air Force airmen would become the first to die in Canada in the Second World War, but they would not be found until 1958.
September 13, 2019

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.
September 13, 2019

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