No. 413 Squadron RCAF

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413 'Tusker' Squadron
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No. 413 Squadron RCAF is an air force squadron of the Canadian Forces. It was originally a flying boat squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. It currently operates the C-130 Hercules and the CH-149 Cormorant in transport plus search and rescue roles at CFB Greenwood

[edit] History

Created as the third RCAF squadron attached to the RAF Coastal Command.

The squadron gained notoriety for the actions of Squadon Leader Leonard Birchall, who detected the Japanese Force approaching Ceylon. This allowed time for the defenders to prepare. The squadron was disbanded in February 1945.

Reformed at RCAF Rockcliffe on April 1, 1947, it took over the duties of No. 13 (Photographic) squadron. It operated in this role until November 1, 1950.

Reformed again on August 1, 1951 as a fighter squadron at CFB Bagotville. Equipped with the F-86 Sabre they deployed to Zweibrucken, Germany. The squadron stood down on April 7, 1957 and was then reformed on May 1 operating the Avro CF-100 Canuck at CFB Bagotville. The squadron again disbanded on December 30, 1961.

The squadron was reactivated at RCAF Station Summerside on July 8, 1968 in its current role of Transportation and Rescue Squadron. With the closure of CFB Summerside, the squadron relocated to CFB Greenwood on June 10, 1991.

On July 13, 2006, 413 Squadron suffered the first fatal crash of a Cormorant in Canadian service when a CH-149 (Aircraft 149914) based at CFB Greenwood crashed while conducting a night training exercise near Canso, Nova Scotia. Killed in the incident were Sgt. Duane Brazil, 39; Master Cpl. Kirk Noel, 33; and Cpl. Trevor McDavid, 31, four other crew members were injured.