New C-17 Canadian strategic airlift squadron

Canada is to have an all-new military airlift unit. The 429 Transport Squadron, comprising Boeing C-17 air freighters, is based at 8 Wing / CFB Trenton. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Lowthian, the squadron will be responsible for the conduct of all C-17 operations by Canada's new strategic airlift fleet of Globemaster IIIs.

Originally a World War II bomber squadron based in Yorkshire, UK, the squadron was disbanded in 1946, after all allied POWs were airlifted back to England. In June 1967, the unit was revived as a CC-115 Buffalo squadron, and first became part of the transport corps. Known as the Bisons, 429 (T) Squadron was merged with the 424 Squadron in September 1971, but once more restructured in April 1972, responsible for training rather than transport. In 1981, it once more became a transport squadron, and was later consolidated with 426 Squadron in July 2005 in a major Air Force transformation model. Its latest revival as the C-17 squadron is a proud moment.

A basic squadron capability will be operational when the first C-17 aircraft arrive in early August. The remaining three C-17 will be delivered between October 2007 and April 2008, requiring the squadron's operating capabilities will grow to full strength — approximately 200 members, including pilots, loadmasters and technicians.

Gordon O'Connor, minister of national defence, who formally established the unit at a ceremony on Monday 23 July, said: "It is a historic time. Canada's new fleet of C-17 aircraft will providing Canadians with a truly independent strategic airlift capability at home and abroad." "This is a new chapter in the famed Bisons' history," said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of Air Staff.

The new strategic lift aircraft will provide Canadian forces with an independent means to rapidly, reliably and flexibly move heavy equipment over vast distances in response to domestic or international crises; as well as delivering more troops and equipment faster to alleviate suffering. The number of crews and stopovers required will come down, and the aging tactical Hercules fleet will come under less pressure.