RCAF Centennial
A CENTURY OF SERVICE
Honouring 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force
Behind every enduring institution are the people at the heart of it, and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is no different. Since 1924, RCAF personnel have consistently brought their expertise, knowledge, courage, commitment, and passion to the organization. Today, at approximately 18,000 strong and occupying 75 different trades, they are the wind beneath the RCAF’s wings—propelling it forward as it soars into another 100 years of service.
The 100ᵗʰ Anniversary of the RCAF commemorative $2 circulation coin proudly honours all those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada’s Air Force.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
RCAF Centennial Commemorative Circulation Coin
A tribute to the service the RCAF has brought to Canada and the world, the RCAF Centennial $2 coin design honours the history and heritage of Canada’s Air Force, spanning 100 years of missions, machinery, milestones, and the personnel who make it all possible.
A Century in the Skies
Scroll to learn more about the nine aircraft featured on the RCAF Centennial commemorative circulation coin.
A Soaring Legacy
The RCAF has a rich history of service, dating back to its official creation on April 1, 1924. As part of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), today the RCAF consists of a full-time permanent force (Regular Force), a part-time reserve force (Air Reserve Force), as well as civilian support personnel.
WINGS ACROSS CANADA
Discover 15 Places the RCAF Calls Home
Many of these RCAF personnel operate out of an RCAF Wing; commonly understood as a military aviation base. Located across the country, the RCAF has 15 wings that are comprised of operational and support units—including squadrons that perform specific tactical roles.
RCAF Services: The Sky Was Never Enough
When one thinks of the RCAF, the first thing that may come to mind is planes. But beyond the aircraft, technology, and equipment is a diverse workforce who care deeply about serving their nation and ensuring the safety and security of their own country, as well as those that need it most. From its humble beginnings conducting civil-oriented operations, to becoming the fourth largest Allied air force during the Second World War, to being a pillar of peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, and now leading national space power support, the RCAF has continued to evolve.
Scroll to learn more about some of the many services the RCAF has provided, and continues to provide, to people living in Canada and beyond.
The RCAF practice identification and intercept procedures with the United States Air Force under the control of The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
Sovereignty
A top priority of the RCAF is to defend and protect Canada’s airspace. The RCAF conducts frequent air patrols in the Arctic and over Canadian waters, and participates in NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) missions.
These NORAD missions, conducted with our American allies, include aerospace warning (detecting threats via a network of sensors) and aerospace control (defending North America’s airspace and ensuring fighter aircraft are ready to deploy if necessary). The RCAF is responsible for identifying and tracking all aircraft entering Canadian airspace, as well as directing the nation’s air defense forces.
DID YOU KNOW?
In support of NORAD, the RCAF flies personnel, equipment, and tools to sites in the remote Arctic, known as Operation NEVUS. As part of Operation BOXTOP, the RCAF delivers supplies to the Canadian Forces Station in Alert, Nunavut (the world’s most northern, permanently inhabited place) twice a year.
Sovereignty
A top priority of the RCAF is to defend and protect Canada’s airspace. The RCAF conducts frequent air patrols in the Arctic and over Canadian waters, and participates in NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) missions.
These NORAD missions, conducted with our American allies, include aerospace warning (detecting threats via a network of sensors) and aerospace control (defending North America’s airspace and ensuring fighter aircraft are ready to deploy if necessary). The RCAF is responsible for identifying and tracking all aircraft entering Canadian airspace, as well as directing the nation’s air defense forces.
DID YOU KNOW?
In support of NORAD, the RCAF flies personnel, equipment, and tools to sites in the remote Arctic, known as Operation NEVUS. As part of Operation BOXTOP, the RCAF delivers supplies to the Canadian Forces Station in Alert, Nunavut (the world’s most northern, permanently inhabited place) twice a year.
Search and Rescue Technicians discuss their plan of action on the ground as a Cormorant helicopter comes in to land on top of a mountain during an annual exercise. (Photo: Bdr Albert Law, 39 Canadian Brigade Group).
Search and Rescue
Since 1944, the RCAF has provided aeronautical search and rescue (SAR) services for all of Canada, as well as around our coasts. Life-saving search and rescue squadrons respond to approximately 1,000 calls to action a year, and are strategically located across the country to reflect the historical frequency and distribution of distress incidents.
SAR aircraft include the CH-149 Cormorant, the CH-146 Griffon, and the CC-130 Hercules. The Hercules also provides dedicated personnel and specialized equipment such as air-droppable survival kits, which include life rafts and shelters. Most of the RCAF’s other aircraft can participate in search and rescue services as a secondary role.
DID YOU KNOW?
As a tribute to SAR personnel and their sacrifices, Sergeant Mike Hall (along with the RCAF Band) composed and recorded the song “That Others May Live”—now a long-embraced motto within RCAF search and rescue squadrons.
Search and Rescue
Since 1944, the RCAF has provided aeronautical search and rescue (SAR) services for all of Canada, as well as around our coasts. Life-saving search and rescue squadrons respond to approximately 1,000 calls to action a year, and are strategically located across the country to reflect the historical frequency and distribution of distress incidents.
SAR aircraft include the CH-149 Cormorant, the CH-146 Griffon, and the CC-130 Hercules. The Hercules also provides dedicated personnel and specialized equipment such as air-droppable survival kits, which include life rafts and shelters. Most of the RCAF’s other aircraft can participate in search and rescue services as a secondary role.
DID YOU KNOW?
As a tribute to SAR personnel and their sacrifices, Sergeant Mike Hall (along with the RCAF Band) composed and recorded the song “That Others May Live”—now a long-embraced motto within RCAF search and rescue squadrons.
The Polaris can also transport government officials and foreign dignitaries. It has carried the Prime Minister, Governor General and members of the Royal Family.
Transport
Transportation is an important RCAF service. Throughout the years, the RCAF has transported troops, dropped paratroopers, carried supplies for Canadian military operations, evacuated Canadian military and civilians from hostile areas, and has transported humanitarian aid and supplies to areas struck by natural disasters.
The RCAF is also responsible for the transportation of government officials and foreign dignitaries. The CC-150 Polaris aircraft, for example, has shuttled the Prime Minister, Governor General, and members of the Royal Family across the country and abroad.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1953, the RCAF became the first air force in the world to operate a jet transport aircraft: the DH-106 Comet.
Transport
Transportation is an important RCAF service. Throughout the years, the RCAF has transported troops, dropped paratroopers, carried supplies for Canadian military operations, evacuated Canadian military and civilians from hostile areas, and has transported humanitarian aid and supplies to areas struck by natural disasters.
The RCAF is also responsible for the transportation of government officials and foreign dignitaries. The CC-150 Polaris aircraft, for example, has shuttled the Prime Minister, Governor General, and members of the Royal Family across the country and abroad.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1953, the RCAF became the first air force in the world to operate a jet transport aircraft: the DH-106 Comet.
Transport of Vietnamese Refugees to Canada on a RCAF CC-137 Husky
Humanitarian Operations
Technically falling under Transport operations, the RCAF has a long history of providing humanitarian support all over the world. Its first humanitarian operation was flying penicillin to Poland in 1945 to 1946. Since then, the organization has responded to many humanitarian crises. Examples include providing aid during the 1960 Chilean earthquake, flying oil to Zambia, and delivering 40,000 lbs of food to people in Congo. The CC-130 Hercules was and continues to be (thanks to newer versions with modern capabilities) a standout aircraft in this role.
DID YOU KNOW?
From 1979 to 1981, the RCAF provided support to Vietnamese refugees. It would fly missions to Malaysia and bring back refugees to Canada. One child was even born on a mission flight. In total, the operation processed over 32,000 refugees.
Humanitarian Operations
Technically falling under Transport operations, the RCAF has a long history of providing humanitarian support all over the world. Its first humanitarian operation was flying penicillin to Poland in 1945 to 1946. Since then, the organization has responded to many humanitarian crises. Examples include providing aid during the 1960 Chilean earthquake, flying oil to Zambia, and delivering 40,000 lbs of food to people in Congo. The CC-130 Hercules was and continues to be (thanks to newer versions with modern capabilities) a standout aircraft in this role.
DID YOU KNOW?
From 1979 to 1981, the RCAF provided support to Vietnamese refugees. It would fly missions to Malaysia and bring back refugees to Canada. One child was even born on a mission flight. In total, the operation processed over 32,000 refugees.
A CH-147 Chinook prepares to distribute sandbags in flooded regions during Operation LENTUS. (Photo: Ordinary Seaman Anne-Marie Brisson, Imaging services St-Jean/Montreal)
Emergency Response and Prevention Operations
In times of emergency, the RCAF is on call to provide aid. Often, these emergencies include natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and even ice storms. When responding to emergencies in Canada, the RCAF serves under Operation LENTUS, which is the CAF’s response to natural disasters. The primary objective of LENTUS is to help provincial and local authorities ensure the safety of Canadians.
The Government of Canada may also ask the RCAF to provide disaster assistance and humanitarian response to an emergency abroad, including transportation and evacuation services. The CAF DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) is deployed when natural disasters and crises strike other countries, and additional help is needed. For instance, in 2004 as part of Operation STRUCTURE, DART was deployed to Sri Lanka to provide aid in the aftermath of the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami.
DID YOU KNOW?
There has been an increasing demand on the CAF over the last decade to respond to natural disasters across the country. CAF involvement has approximately doubled every five years since 2010.
Emergency Response and Prevention Operations
In times of emergency, the RCAF is on call to provide aid. Often, these emergencies include natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and even ice storms. When responding to emergencies in Canada, the RCAF serves under Operation LENTUS, which is the CAF’s response to natural disasters. The primary objective of LENTUS is to help provincial and local authorities ensure the safety of Canadians.
The Government of Canada may also ask the RCAF to provide disaster assistance and humanitarian response to an emergency abroad, including transportation and evacuation services. The CAF DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) is deployed when natural disasters and crises strike other countries, and additional help is needed. For instance, in 2004 as part of Operation STRUCTURE, DART was deployed to Sri Lanka to provide aid in the aftermath of the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami.
DID YOU KNOW?
There has been an increasing demand on the CAF over the last decade to respond to natural disasters across the country. CAF involvement has approximately doubled every five years since 2010.
Canadian astronauts Jenni Sidey, Col Joshua Kutryk, and Col Jeremy Hansen (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)
Space Power Support
In 2016, the RCAF became the official military authority on Canada’s space program. Continuing a history of national space power dating back to the 1960s, the RCAF defends and protects military space assets to ensure continued access to space. It also promotes the peaceful and responsible use of space, and strives to preserve its stability, security, and sustainability.
In 2022, 3 Canadian Space Division and 7 Wing were established in Ottawa. They are responsible for delivering space power in support of CAF operations. The following year, the RCAF launched Operation STRATUS, the first operation specific to space, in support of this responsibility.
DID YOU KNOW?
Currently, the RCAF has two pilots who are now astronauts with the Canadian Space Agency. Over the next two years, one will fly around the moon, and the other will deploy to the International Space Station.
Space Power Support
In 2016, the RCAF became the official military authority on Canada’s space program. Continuing a history of national space power dating back to the 1960s, the RCAF defends and protects military space assets to ensure continued access to space. It also promotes the peaceful and responsible use of space, and strives to preserve its stability, security, and sustainability.
In 2022, 3 Canadian Space Division and 7 Wing were established in Ottawa. They are responsible for delivering space power in support of CAF operations. The following year, the RCAF launched Operation STRATUS, the first operation specific to space, in support of this responsibility.
DID YOU KNOW?
Currently, the RCAF has two pilots who are now astronauts with the Canadian Space Agency. Over the next two years, one will fly around the moon, and the other will deploy to the International Space Station.
An RCAF CH-146 Griffon helicopter and CH-147F Chinook helicopter fly in formation following an aeromedical evacuation exercise, during Operation Presence-Mali. PHOTO: Corporal François Charest, TM02-2019-0074-0037
Peace-Support Operations
Since the Second World War, the RCAF has participated in many peacekeeping operations in support of the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. The goal of these missions is to establish peace and security in areas of conflict. The RCAF’s peacekeeping efforts typically include airlift, resupply, and the provision of aircraft and personnel.
Alongside the CAF, the RCAF has participated in over 100 peacekeeping missions. Some notable operations include: International Commission for Security and Control in Indo-China (1954-74), The UN Emergency Force (1956-67), Congo (1960-64), West New Guinea (1962-63), Yemen (1963-64), and Haiti’s Operation PIVOT (1995-96) and Operation HALO (2004).
DID YOU KNOW?
During its mission in Congo, the RCAF commanded the air forces dedicated to the United Nations, which included 13 different aircraft types, as well as aircrew from 11 different countries.
Peace-Support Operations
Since the Second World War, the RCAF has participated in many peacekeeping operations in support of the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations. The goal of these missions is to establish peace and security in areas of conflict. The RCAF’s peacekeeping efforts typically include airlift, resupply, and the provision of aircraft and personnel.
Alongside the CAF, the RCAF has participated in over 100 peacekeeping missions. Some notable operations include: International Commission for Security and Control in Indo-China (1954-74), The UN Emergency Force (1956-67), Congo (1960-64), West New Guinea (1962-63), Yemen (1963-64), and Haiti’s Operation PIVOT (1995-96) and Operation HALO (2004).
DID YOU KNOW?
During its mission in Congo, the RCAF commanded the air forces dedicated to the United Nations, which included 13 different aircraft types, as well as aircrew from 11 different countries.
Three CF-188 Hornet aircraft arrive for Operation REASSURANCE–Air Task Force Romania, an operation that enhances air policing posture along its eastern borders. Photo: LS Erica Seymour, 4 Wing Imaging
International Security and Stability Operations
Canada regularly sends the RCAF to help other NATO allied nations remain secure and stable. Training with these allied nations is a priority, though at times the RCAF also participates in other duties such as monitoring international airspace. Some NATO operations in which the RCAF has participated include Operation REASSURANCE in central and eastern Europe, Operation KOBOLD in Kosovo, and Operation IGNITION in Iceland.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1950, the RCAF began to train aircrew for other NATO nations on a bilateral basis. This NATO program continued until 1958, after which some nations continued to receive part of their pilot training in Canada.
International Security and Stability Operations
Canada regularly sends the RCAF to help other NATO allied nations remain secure and stable. Training with these allied nations is a priority, though at times the RCAF also participates in other duties such as monitoring international airspace. Some NATO operations in which the RCAF has participated include Operation REASSURANCE in central and eastern Europe, Operation KOBOLD in Kosovo, and Operation IGNITION in Iceland.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1950, the RCAF began to train aircrew for other NATO nations on a bilateral basis. This NATO program continued until 1958, after which some nations continued to receive part of their pilot training in Canada.
Aircraft Technicians from Air Task Force-Iraq (ATF-I) perform maintenance and servicing of CF-18 Hornets between missions in Kuwait, during Operation Impact. Photo: Operation Impact, DND
Combat and Counter-Insurgency Operations
Although the RCAF constantly trains, it has participated in few combat operations since the Second World War. During the Korean War, the RCAF provided pilots to the United States Air Force. Subsequent combat operations were undertaken during the Gulf War (1990-1991), Kosovo Air Campaign (1999), the Libya Air Campaign (2011), and operations against ISIS (2014-2016).
The RCAF has also participated in missions against insurgency and terrorism, including sending forces to Afghanistan in 2001. Prior to that, it had also been part of counter-insurgency operations elsewhere. Current missions include Operation IMPACT in Syria and Iraq, Operation ARTEMIS in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean, and Operation FOUNDATION in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.
DID YOU KNOW?
In August 1939, the RCAF had just over 4,000 members. By January 1944, it had become the fourth largest Allied air force in the world: enlisting over 213,000 personnel at its peak and operating 86 squadrons.
Combat and Counter-Insurgency Operations
Although the RCAF constantly trains, it has participated in few combat operations since the Second World War. During the Korean War, the RCAF provided pilots to the United States Air Force. Subsequent combat operations were undertaken during the Gulf War (1990-1991), Kosovo Air Campaign (1999), the Libya Air Campaign (2011), and operations against ISIS (2014-2016).
The RCAF has also participated in missions against insurgency and terrorism, including sending forces to Afghanistan in 2001. Prior to that, it had also been part of counter-insurgency operations elsewhere. Current missions include Operation IMPACT in Syria and Iraq, Operation ARTEMIS in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Indian Ocean, and Operation FOUNDATION in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.
DID YOU KNOW?
In August 1939, the RCAF had just over 4,000 members. By January 1944, it had become the fourth largest Allied air force in the world: enlisting over 213,000 personnel at its peak and operating 86 squadrons.
A fishing boat is seen from the onboard camera of a CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft during an Operation Driftnet patrol.
Fisheries Patrols and Surveillance
Alongside the Royal Canadian Navy, the RCAF helps Fisheries and Oceans Canada enforce fishing regulations in an effort to protect wild fish stocks. By conducting overflights to keep watch over both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (FISHPATS and Operation DRIFTNET, respectively), illegal fishing practices are deterred, keeping our oceans and marine life in balance.
The RCAF uses the CP-140 Aurora, a long-range patrol aircraft, to conduct these operations. With a large shoreline to protect and patrol, there are currently 18 CP-140s in service, operated by 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox.
DID YOU KNOW?
Canada's CP-140 fleet has been adapted to perform a range of missions beyond the traditional missions over water, such as carrying out overland intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Fisheries Patrols and Surveillance
Alongside the Royal Canadian Navy, the RCAF helps Fisheries and Oceans Canada enforce fishing regulations in an effort to protect wild fish stocks. By conducting overflights to keep watch over both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (FISHPATS and Operation DRIFTNET, respectively), illegal fishing practices are deterred, keeping our oceans and marine life in balance.
The RCAF uses the CP-140 Aurora, a long-range patrol aircraft, to conduct these operations. With a large shoreline to protect and patrol, there are currently 18 CP-140s in service, operated by 14 Wing Greenwood and 19 Wing Comox.
DID YOU KNOW?
Canada's CP-140 fleet has been adapted to perform a range of missions beyond the traditional missions over water, such as carrying out overland intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
Learn more about Canada’s Air Force
An Ode to a Century of Service: Honouring the RCAF
From present-day RCAF personnel to their trailblazing predecessors, their contributions and sacrifices have made—and continue to make—the RCAF what it is today. Keep reading to discover the vast array of roles that the RCAF has participated in over its century of service.
Soaring through History: Discover the Aircraft on our RCAF Centennial Coins
Learn more about the many aircraft—past, present, and future—featured on our RCAF Centennial coins. From the Second World War-era Tiger Moth trainer to the ultramodern F-35 stealth fighter, discover the story behind these spectacular machines.
Propelled by Passion
A Nationwide Salute
As we mark the centennial anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, we remember the contributions and achievements of its members over the past 100 years, and honour those who served, and continue to serve, people living in Canada and abroad.
From the skies to your change, the 100ᵗʰ Anniversary of the RCAF commemorative $2 circulation coin represents a century of history and heritage, paying tribute to those who enable Canadian air and space power. Together, let’s salute the brave personnel of the RCAF on this soaring occasion.
Thank You
Royal Canadian Air Force intellectual property used courtesy of the Department of National Defence.
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