437 Transport Squadron

437 Transport Squadron

RCAF CC-150 Polaris taking off from Ottawa
Active 1944-1946
1961-present
Country Canada
Branch Royal Canadian Air Force
Role Transport & aerial refueling
Part of 8 Wing Trenton
Home station CFB Trenton
Nickname(s) Husky
Motto(s) Omnia passim
("Anything Anywhere")
Battle honours
  • France and Germany 1944-1945
  • Arnhem
  • Rhine
Insignia
Squadron Badge Argent a husky's head affronté erased proper
Aircraft flown
Transport Douglas Dakota
CC-106 Yukon
CC-137 Husky
Airbus CC-150 Polaris

437 Transport Squadron is a unit of the Canadian Forces under the Royal Canadian Air Force, based at CFB Trenton in Ontario. The unit operates the CC-150 Polaris, and is responsible for long range military and VIP transportation (especially for the Royal Family visiting Canada).

History

437 Squadron was formed at RAF Blakehill Farm in Wiltshire, England in 1944 as a unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and provided general transport until it was disbanded in 1946. During this time the squadron flew Douglas Dakota (Mk.III and IV) aircraft.

The squadron was reformed at CFB Trenton in 1961 and equipped with CC-106 Yukon. It was re-equipped with the CC-137 Husky (Boeing 707) in 1972. While operating the Husky it provided Air to Air Refueling in addition to transport services.

Operations

437 Transport Squadron frequently supports government dignitaries while on official visits, including the Prime Minister of Canada and Queen Elizabeth II during Royal tours of Canada. In June and July 2011 the squadron provided transportation for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they toured Canada and the United States.

The squadron currently operates the CC-150 Polaris, a modified version of the Airbus A310. Three are configured for personnel and material transport, while two were reconfigured into the aerial refueling role.

Two CC-150 air-to-air refueling tankers were deployed to support Operation MOBILE during the 2011 military intervention in Libya. Canadian CF-188 fighter jets that enforce the no-fly zone over Libya under Operation Odyssey Dawn and Operation Unified Protector were refueled by 437 Sqn.[1]

References

  1. ↑ "Update on CF Operations in Libya" Canadian Forces website, 22 March 2011
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