No. 412 Squadron RCAF

412 Transport Squadron of the Canadian Forces Air Command is one of 3 transport squadrons attached to CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ontario, but this squadron is based out of Ottawa, Ontario. It had formerly been attached to CFB Ottawa, closed since 1994.

History

412 Transport was formed in 1949, but traces its history back to two separate squadrons:

Number 12 Communications Flight at R.C.A.F. Station Ottawa and 412 (Fighter) Squadron was formed in Digby, England on June 30, 1941.

After WWII, Number 12 Communications Flight was re-assigned as 412 Squadron on April 1, 1947, and renamed 412 (Composite) Squadron based at CFB Rockcliffe. In 1955, the 412 moved to CFB Uplands. In the late 1970s a sub-unit was established at CFB Lahr in West Germany. This operation closed in 1993.

In 1994, CFB Ottawa closed and 412's fleet was moved to a civilian hanger at Ottawa International Airport. All aircraft are maintained by Transport Canada on behalf of the Canadian Forces.

Aircraft used by 412 include:

* 1 CL-5 North Star 1949-1966
* 2 de Havilland Comet 1A 1953-1963
* 2 CL-44 Yukon 1961-1978 - VIP configuration
* 1 de Havilland Dash 7 - based at Lahr 1980-1987
* 2 de Havilland Dash 8 - based at Lahr 1987-93
* 1 CL-66 Cosmopolitan 1960-1980
* 7 Dassault Falcon 20 1968-1985

Current role

Today, 412 Squadron provides transport for high level government officials and foreign VIPs while they are in Canada. The squadron uses 4 CC-144 Challenger business jets.

External links

* [http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/8wing/squadron/412_e.asp 412 Home Page]