Events

RCAF Mark Air Force Day on the Hill

Mishall Rehman June 14, 2024

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The annual time-honoured tradition of Air Force Day on Parliament Hill was celebrated on June 11.

Every year, the Department of National Defence (DND) and Veterans Affairs celebrate Air Force Day on Parliament Hill as an opportunity for Members of Parliament and Senators to demonstrate their appreciation for Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) members.

“Today, we celebrate Air Force Day on Parliament Hill – an opportunity to highlight the incredible work of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as we mark its Centennial year. For 100 years, members of the RCAF have served Canadians here at home and around the world, and recently, above the skies into space. We thank them for their incredible dedication to Canada,” said Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, and Ginette Petitpas, Minister of Veterans Affairs, in a joint statement to mark the occasion.

The Peace Tower at Centre Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was blue to commemorate the Royal Canadian Air Force. Image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force X.

100 years of duty

Incidentally, the RCAF is also celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, making Air Force Day an exceptionally significant day.

“RCAF aviators have served in demanding missions and challenging operations around the globe – including the Second World War, the Korean War, the Cold War, the conflicts in the Gulf and in Afghanistan. They serve alongside our American allies as a component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). They also serve alongside North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies and United Nations members, undertaking missions in Africa, Asia, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East,” noted Blair and Petitpas.

Since its inception on April 1, 1924, the RCAF has been at the forefront of Canadian missions, providing aerial support and aviators to Canada’s defence.

Celebrating Air Force Day on the Hill. Left to right, Royal Canadian Air Force Commander LGen Kenny, Senator (ret’d) Rebecca Patterson, outgoing Honorary Colonel Loreena McKennitt, incoming Honorary Colonel Renee van Kessel, and far right Royal Canadian Air Force Command Chief Warrant Officer Hall. Image courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force X.

Ready for any mission

The RCAF is ready for any mission, both at home and abroad, a fact the ministers noted in their statement.

“The RCAF is always there to support Canadians in times of need. Through ice storms, floods, landslides, fires, hurricanes, and a global pandemic, RCAF members always answer the call for help.

“To ensure that the RCAF is ready for tomorrow’s security challenges, our government is making the largest investment in the Royal Canadian Air Force since the Second World War – delivering new aircraft, infrastructure projects, and new capabilities,” read the statement.

Providing support

The statement noted that the government is making necessary purchases and policy changes to ensure the RCAF can continue to perform its duties.

“Since 2022, we have signed agreements for over 200 new or refurbished aircraft for the RCAF. This includes new fleets of F-35 fighter jets, P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Strategic Tanker Transport Aircraft, training aircraft and more.

“We are making historic progress, but we must keep going. With the recent announcement of Our North, Strong and Free, there is much more to come – including a new tactical helicopter fleet, and a new Airborne Early Warning aircraft capability. The RCAF represents the very best of Canada – and its members can count on our unyielding support. Thanks to these investments, the RCAF of 2035 will look vastly different from today as it continues to evolve and respond to our changing needs,” said the Ministers.

Since its inception on April 1, 1924, the RCAF has been at the forefront of Canadian missions, providing aerial support and aviators to Canada’s defence. Above image: Members of the Canadian Armed Forces Air Task Force carry patients from the hospital onboard a CC-177 Globemaster III aircraft from 429 Transport Squadron as they prepare to transport patients during the evacuations from Yellowknife, NWT as part of Operation LENTUS on 18 August 2023. Photo by: Lt(N) Alex Roy, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

The Ministers also used this opportunity to thank military families for the support they provide RCAF members.

“Today and always, we thank all RCAF Veterans and the families of those who serve and have served. It is because of them that the RCAF carries an international reputation for professionalism, dedication, and excellence. Their contributions will not be forgotten, and we are committed to continuing to provide RCAF serving members and Veterans with the services and programs that they need.”

In the House of Commons, Member of Parliament for Moose Jaw—Lake Centre Lanigan Fraser Tolmie noted that his riding is home to 15 Wing, originally part of the British Commonwealth air training plan.

Tolmie announced a gathering to mark the occasion, “On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate the RCAF on its centennial, and I invite everyone to join me for Air Force Day on the Hill, at five o’clock today, at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building.”