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 and a woman wearing military camouflage uniforms stand on a runway. The man on the right gives a medal to the woman, who is in the centre. Behind the three people is a big yellow and red helicopter.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lisa Baspaly-Hays, Commander of 9 Wing Gander, receives the United States’ Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Commander of 9 Wing Gander, Lieutenant-Colonel Lisa Baspaly-Hays, whose outstanding leadership and ceaseless efforts strengthened collaboration between the United States’ and Canada’s intelligence forces, received the U.S. Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
October 20, 2020

Five women running on a track during a competition.

Track and field for Masters Athletes 6: understanding energy systems

This is the sixth in a series of articles covering all aspects of Masters Athletes’ training and nutrition for track and field events. Here, we will take a look at how properly planned training will greatly impact your success.
October 16, 2020

A man wearing an orange jumpsuit and a blue hat looks outside the window of an aircraft.

When the standard is integrity: Most senior RCAF SAR Tech honoured to be part of that team

“I don’t count years, and I have no regrets. I love being a SAR Tech. It’s an honour to be part of that team,” says Sergeant André Hotton, who’s been a SAR Tech for thirty years, making him the most senior SAR technician in the RCAF.
October 13, 2020

A woman wearing a camouflage uniform sits at the wheel of a vehicle.

Supply Technicians - Profiling Warrant Officer Sandra Leaman, 12 Air Maintenance Squadron

Described by her chain of command as “a team player who always volunteers time for her unit,” Warrant Officer Sandra Leaman won the 12 Wing Shearwater Air Person of the Year Award for her dedication and work ethic.
October 8, 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.
October 6, 2020

Past

Three hockey teams stand in a close group outdoors with spectators around them.

The RCAF Flyers stunned the world by winning Olympic gold

Seventy years ago today, a hastily assembled team of hockey players from the Royal Canadian Air Force stunned the world by winning the Olympic gold medal at St. Moritz, Switzerland.
February 8, 2018

A vintage photo of a person standing beside the fuselage of a large biplane that has its engine mounted on the top wing, with other aircraft and large buildings in the background.

Shearwater: the birthplace of maritime aviation in Canada

The second-oldest military airfield in Canada, the Shearwater air station at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, has been home to Canada’s naval or RCAF maritime air squadrons since its inception in 1918.
February 7, 2018

A man in a blue uniform plays a trumpet by a stone tomb with a metal soldier’s helmet; a woman in a black uniform stands at a podium. Both wear poppies. Behind them are military members and civilians.

“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.
December 15, 2017

A man stands behind a podium.

Battle of Britain heroes honoured in National Capital Region

The RCAF’s national ceremony honouring those who participated in the Battle of Britain 77 years ago was held at Vintage Wings of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec, on September 17, 2017.
October 13, 2017

A woman wearing a medium-blue uniform stands at attention at the right front corner of a tall memorial topped with a statue and backed by trees.

RCAF marks 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain throughout Canada

RCAF personnel mark the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain throughout Canada
October 12, 2017

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