by Bobbi | Aug 3, 2017 | Aircraft, Collections, Exhibits, Heritage Air Park, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
The annual washing of our fighter aircraft took place recently. As you can imagine, keeping the planes clean and maintained when they are exposed to the elements is a constant battle. Luckily for the Museum, a crew from 888 Wing takes on the responsibility of power washing and scrubbing the four fighter aircraft in the park (the CF-100 Canuck, the CF-101 Voodoo, the CF-104 Starfighter and the T-33 T-Bird). I am happy to report, no major water fights broke out during the project and a light lunch was enjoyed by all back at 888 Wing. A big thanks to Duke and his team for their continued support of the Museum and the Air Park. ...
by CAFM contributor | Jul 30, 2017 | Aircraft, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
In this, Tyko’s second post, he talks about three squadrons attached to 19 Wing Comox: 19 Air Maintenance Squadron 19 Air Maintenance Squadron (19 AMS) provides second-line aircraft support to all the flying squadrons at CFB Comox, and specific air support to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, Victoria. 19 AMS also provides Explosive ordnance disposal services to 19 Wing and various areas within British Columbia and the Yukon. The commanding officer of 19 AMS is responsible for 110 personnel who work in a wide range of areas including armament, avionics, non-destructive testing aircraft structures and mechanical support. The squadron was formed in 1993. Superbia Et Excellentia (Motto: Pride and Excellence) 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron No. 407 Coastal Strike Squadron was formed at RAF Thorney Island, England in 1941 first flying the Bristol Blenheim. It was one of seven RCAF squadrons serving with the RAF Coastal Command. From September 1941 to January 1943 the squadron operated as a “strike” squadron attacking enemy shipping with the Lockheed Hudson. It was as a strike squadron that won its reputation and nickname “The Demon Squadron”. On the 29th of January 1943 it was re-designated 407 General Reconnaissance Squadron, and for the remainder of the war the “Demons” protected allied shipping from German U-boats, operating the Vickers Wellington. The squadron was disbanded in 1945 following the end of WWII. In 1952 the squadron was re-activated at RCAF Station Comox as 407 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron flying the Avro Lancaster. In 1956 it was renamed as a Maritime patrol Squadron. The Squadron has served continually at Comox flying the...
by Val | Jul 28, 2017 | Aircraft, Heritage Air Park, Member Info, News & Events, Posts, Vehicles
Our Museum has lost a beloved volunteer, Irv Fraser. Our Programme Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Jon Ambler, wrote, ” For over a decade, Irv was our handyman and builder, and there is no part of our Museum that did not benefit from his skill and effort. When we say something was ‘Irv built’, it means that it was built remarkably strong… he had a funny expression for everything, and took great joy and pride in his work. A ‘Spirit of the Volunteer’ winner a few years ago, Irv represented all the very best attributes of a member of our Museum family. He will be terribly missed.” In no particular order, here are some memories of Irv’s time with our Museum. Rest in peace, Irv…...
by CAFM contributor | Jul 26, 2017 | Aircraft, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
Tyko‘s first post introduces us to our base, 19 Wing Comox. 19 Wing Comox, BC The airfield at 19 wing Comox was built as an RAF base in 1942 and in 1943 it was officially designated an RCAF base. Its primary purpose was to fly control for 32 Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Patricia Bay, Victoria. 32 OTU later transferred to Comox and become No. 6 Transport Squadron (RCAF) flying C-47 Dakotas under the command of Group Captain D.C.S Macdonald. In 1946, No.6 Squadron moved to RCAF Station Greenwood N.S. and RCAF Station Comox was closed. In 1952, Comox was re-opened as an Air Defense Command (ADC) establishment under the operational control of 12 Air Defense Group and began an extensive modernization program witch included several new buildings including a new, bigger hangar (hangar 7) and extending the runway to its current 10,000 ft. The stations first operational squadron, 407 “Demons” Maritime Patrol Squadron was reactivated and equipped with Lancaster bombers modified for the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role. In 1953, the first 150 permanent personnel quarters were erected and occupied. An elementary school for the RCAF personnel’s children with classrooms for grades one to six and kindergarten was built. 409 “Nighthawks” All Weather Fighter Interceptor Squadron was formed in 1954. Over the years, the squadron was equipped with T-33 Silverstar, CF-100 Canucks and the CF-101 Voodoo. Also formed in 1954 were 51 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron as part of the CADIN Pinetree radar line. In 1961, Comox was officially placed under the control of Maritime Air Command. Following the closing of RCAF...
by CAFM contributor | Jul 21, 2017 | Aircraft, Heritage Air Park, Member Info, News & Events, Posts
We’re pleased to share the first of Lucie‘s drawings with you. We enjoy seeing the Museum world through her eyes and hope you do, too!
by Val | Jul 19, 2017 | Member Info, News & Events, Posts
It’s my pleasure to introduce our two youngest volunteers. They originally came in with their mom, Carol, who volunteers on Thursday mornings. At the time I met them, they were homeschooled and did some school assignments while their mom worked on her volunteer tasks. They quickly discovered that when their school work was finished, they could help in the Museum; they helped organize and label photo albums, an ongoing task. As summer approached, their thoughts went to Thursday mornings and what more they could contribute. You see, they love the Museum! They like the volunteers in the building, saying, “They’re kind and funny.” Well, we like them too! Let’s meet them! This is Tyko. He’s 12 years old, an air cadet, and in addition to using the flight simulator in the Library, is interested in writing. Tyko’s going to contribute some posts this summer. This young man has some interesting topics in mind! This is Lucie. She’s 10 1/2 years old and in addition to using the flight simulator in the Library, is a talented young artist, interested in drawing; she especially likes to depict landscapes, vehicles, and aircraft. This young lady is going to contribute some of her drawings to our website this summer! We hope that you’ll follow Tyko and Lucie’s series. It’s always good to see the world through the eyes of our youth! Thanks, Tyko and Lucie for volunteering to contribute!...
The CAFM commemorates the role and history of 19 Wing (CFB/RCAF/RAF), documenting significant achievements in West Coast Military Aviation History.
Founded in 1982 as part of the Air Force Indoctrination School, CAFM was accredited as a stand-alone Canadian Forces Museum and officially opened its doors to the public on 12 September 1987.