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HistoryCanadian Forces HistoryHistory

Circa 1969

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Canadian ThumbnailCameraCanadian Pilot Wings "...Canadian pilot wings. The top is pre-1969 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the the bottom is the post-'69 CAF (Canadian Forces) style..." Contributed by McLAUGHLIN, LT Bob banddmcl1964@msn.com [17JUN2004]


Circa 1954

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News June 1954 "...RCAF Will Fly Neptunes - Page 14 - Naval Aviation News - June 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/jun54.pdf [02AUG2004]

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Squadrons

CA Squadrons (Tap Number to "JUMP" to Squadron)

VP-404 | VP-405 | VP-407 | VP-415

CF404 Logo404 Maritime Patrol and Training Squadron - "Buffalo" http://www.airforce.forces.ca/14wing/squadron/404_e.cfm [URL Updated 07OCT2001 | URL Updated via Orlando Gallardo logallar@coqui.net [16MAR2001]

"...404 Maritime and Training Squadron is the primary training squadron for both Aircrew and Groundcrew on the CP 140 Aurora. As Well it operates the Aeromedical Training Unit. 404 traces its roots to Coastal Command, it was formed in April 1941. On 19 October 1979, the final technical course graduated from 404 and on 6 December 1979, the final MOAT course graduated; marking the end of Argus training in the Canadian Forces. Even before Argus training had ceased, some members of the Squadron had moved into the Hornell Centre and begun courses for the newly acquired CP-140 Aurora. The first Aurora course to be taught by 404 was the Connector Repair Course in September 1979. By the end of 1979, the move of 404 to the Hornell Centre was complete, and training activity increased. In 1980, 404 was tasked to convert all Maritime Air Group (MAG) aircrew personnel from the Argus aircraft to the Aurora. A total of 1716 personnel, 1360 technicians and 356 aircrew, were converted to the Aurora by the end of 1981, within two weeks of the date proposed six years earlier; a momentous task for a Squadron itself inexperienced on the Aurora. With the introduction of a steady state program in 1981, 404 resumed its role of Maritime Operational Aircrew Training (MOAT), this time on the Aurora aircraft, with a two-phased course. During phase 1 of the course, all ASW members learn the mechanics of the equipment related to their particular specialty. The pilots and flight engineers also undertake nine conversion flights. In phase II, the course members are divided in to three crews, and they receive two weeks of ASW related lectures, and 12 navigation and ASW training flights where their newly acquired knowledge is put into practice. 404 presently is capable of producing 24 Pilots, 12 Tactical Navigators, 36 Acoustic Sensor Operators, 36 Navigation Communicators, 36 Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators and 12 Flight Engineers per year. Technical Training The Technical Training program for the Aurora presently consists of no less than 30 different courses, the duration of which varies from three to 100 working days. All in all, 35 maintenance instructors produce about 500 graduates per year..."

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CF405 Logo405 Maritime Patrol Squadron - "Pathfinder" http://www.airforce.forces.ca/14wing/squadron/405_e.cfm [URL Updated 07OCT2001 | URL Updated 16MAR2001 | URL and Nickname Updated 21NOV98]

"...405 Maritime Patrol Squadron is one of two operational Maritime Patrol Squadrons located at 14 Wing, as its motto, DUCIMUS - We Lead - indicates, 405 Squadron has been a leader since its formation as the first RCAF Bomber Squadron in England on 3 April 1941. This tradition continues to this day. Change of Command Parade held Tuesday, July 23 1996 once again, 405 Squadron continued its string of firsts in the Maritime world. On 11 March 1981, 405 Standards flew the first operational patrol with the Aurora and later that same year Crew2 was the first to win the prestigious Fincastle Competition in Australia with our new lady. In October 1984, 405 became the first squadron to drop a torpedo from the CP-140 Aurora on the Nanoose Range near Comox, B.C. While the squadron's primary role continues to be ASW, recent changes in Canada and the World have seen 405 take on a variety of new tasks. These include support of the R.C.M.P., Fisheries and Oceans, Sovereignty and Northern Patrols, Search and Rescue, and the United Nations. Of note, the Squadron was the first to deploy in support of the U.N.'s involvement in the former Yugoslavia. 405 Squadron has travelled the world displaying the best in ASW technology and looks forward to maintaining its place as a leader in its many roles as a Maritime Patrol Squadron. DUCIMUS..."

Note NOTICE: "...I am attempting to find two AD's I ran with when they were stationed in Canada on exchange duties in the 70's. First was J.T. JACKSON an ADR1. I heard of him he was in Corpus Christi originally from Witchita Falls and secondly J. BUCKNER an ADJ originally from Georgia last heard of in Georgia. Any leads out there would be appreciated from an old Canadian Chief...Ken Bedford bedpost48@hotmail.com..." [03AUG2000]


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CF407 Logo407 Maritime Patrol Squadron - "Demon" http://www.airforce.forces.ca/19wing/squadron/407_e.cfm [URL Updated 07OCT2001 | URL Updated via Orlando Gallardo logallar@coqui.net [17MAR2001]


VP AircraftAIRCRAFT:  Canadian 407 Sqn Fincastle P3 ThumbnailCameraP3 Picture "...Photo of the Canadian 407 Sqn Fincastle representative taken by Mike Reyno of Wings magazine..." Contributed by Bert Campbell navigator1@eastlink.ca [E-Mail Updated 01MAR2009]


"...On 8 May 1941, 407 Coastal Strike Squadron was formed at Thorney Island, England, was redesignated 407 General Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 January 1943, and was disbanded on 4 June 1945. They reformed at RCAF Station Comox on 1 July 1952 as 407 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron and were renamed on 17 July 1956 as a Maritime Patrol squadron. Today, 407 Squadron flies the CP-140 Aurora on coastal patrol and anti-submarine duties..."

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CF415 Logo415 Maritime Patrol Squadron - "Swordfish" http://www.airforce.forces.ca/14wing/squadron/415_e.cfm [URL Updated 07OCT2001 | URL Updated 16MAR2001]

"...415 Maritime Patrol Squadron is one of two operational maritime patrol squadrons on the east coast of Canada. Tracing its roots to Thorney Island, 415 Squadron was RCAF's first and only Torpedo-Bomber Squadron! Now the Swordfish fly the CP140 Aurora over the Atlantic. On 1 June 1981 the 415 Squadron was re-established in Greenwood, flying the Aurora. This reaffirmed its commitment to excellence. This commitment was proven in the following years as 415 went on to excel, flying the highly computerized and sophisticated Aurora in a myriad of operations and international competitions. For some time, the U.S. Navy prefix "VP" had been used to designate 415 as a Maritime Patrol Squadron. As part of Air Command's intent to re-establish a visible and united Air Force, it was decided that the prefix "VP" should revert back to the original designator "MP" (for Maritime Patrol). Thus, on July 23rd, 1986, VP415 officially came to be known, once again, as 415 (MP) Squadron. Of significant interest was 415's involvement in Operation Friction. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 prompted Canada to send a naval task group to help enforce the United Nation's resolutions. 415 Squadron was tasked to support this task group during its work-up Phase Training between Halifax and the Mediterranean. 415 crews were deployed to the Azores and Gibraltar in order to exercise the self defence capability of the ships and provide surface surveillance. 1991 marked the squadron's 50th anniversary since its formation during WWII. This historic anniversary was celebrated in grand style. Hundreds of former Swordfish from all parts of the country came to CFB Greenwood to trade old war stories and enjoy good fellowship with other squadron members, both past and present. With the breakup of the Soviet Republic and the ensuing bloodshed over the new borders in some of the Baltic states, the entire NATO maritime patrol community has been challenged. In 1993, 415(MP) Squadron participated extensively in support of the UN resolutions in the Adriatic. Operating out of NAS Sigonella, located in Sicily, crews flew patrols to aid in enforcing the sanctions imposed by the UN against the former Republic of Yugoslavia. In addition to all its operational commitments, 415 Squadron continues to support other federal agencies through activity in Search and Rescue, Sovereignty, and fishery and pollution patrols, as well as supporting the Coast Guard and R.C.M.P. in counter narcotics operations off our shores. In an ever changing world, and despite ever changing roles, 415 Squadron has always been ready to answer the Nation's call with operational and professional crews. Whatever the job, 415 (MP) Squadron will carry on its long and proud tradition of remaining true to its motto "Ad Metam" - "To the mark."..."

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