With immense honor and respect, we celebrate the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), an institution that embodies courage, excellence, and dedication to service over a remarkable century. Since its founding in 1924, the RCAF has played a crucial role in defending and promoting peace, shaping history, and inspiring generations.
Over a hundred years, the men and women of the RCAF have fearlessly taken to the skies, defending the ideals of freedom and justice that are fundamental to the Canadian identity. Their bravery in times of conflict, such as during World War II, where RCAF pilots significantly contributed to the Allied victory, is a testament to the courage and commitment of this exceptional air force.
Beyond combat moments, the RCAF has been a vital force in responding to natural disasters, humanitarian missions, and protecting Canadian airspace. Its legacy extends beyond geographical boundaries, touching lives and communities worldwide.
On the centenary of the RCAF, we pay tribute not only to the aviators and support personnel but also to the families who, with patience and resilience, supported their loved ones in service. We recognize the sacrifice and devotion that have permeated each decade of this extraordinary journey.
To the Royal Canadian Air Force, we express sincere gratitude for its exemplary service, continuous innovation, and vital role in defending the sovereignty and security of Canada. May this centenary be a moment of celebration, reflection, and inspiration for future generations who will continue to carry forward the impressive legacy of the RCAF. May the wings of the RCAF continue to soar high, defending freedom and peace for many more years. Congratulations on 100 years of exemplary service!
Captain Kenneth M Kennedy, CD1 - in his own words.
I was born in St. Thomas, as my father Judd Kennedy W/C (RAF) was commanding officer at the nearby RCAF Station Fingal, a BCATP Bombing and Gunnery School. If you lift Jumbo’s tail and look up you will see the St. Thomas plaque that celebrates my 1941 birth there. I attended school in Toronto, where I joined Air Cadets in 1955. In 1959 I trained for my Private Pilot Licence at Malton (now Pearson) Airport with the Air Cadets. In 1960, I was selected for the United Kingdom Air Cadet Exchange Program; a highlight of which was briefly meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on the back porch of Buckingham Palace.
In 1960, I was accepted into the ROTP program at RMC Kingston. I graduated in 1965, after a thoroughly undistinguished career – except for a record-breaking number of days on Defaulters’ Parade in First Year. I was definitely a “square peg in a round hole\" at RMC, but I thrived during Summer Training on Chipmunks in Centralia and on Harvards in Moose Jaw and Penhold. On graduation in 1965, I trained on the brand-new Tutor jet at RCAF Moose Jaw. Hoping for a posting to Europe on 104 Star Fighters (second choice 101s), I elected for advanced training on the classic T-33 Silver Star, instead of multi-engine or helicopter.
After my dad pinned my wings on in 1966, I was recycled as a Tutor instructor at 2 Flying Training School in Moose Jaw. However, by 1970, I was an A1 Instructor and a Deputy Flight Commander. I found that I really enjoyed teaching, both in the air and in ground school. In 1970 my hopes for 104s in Germany were dashed by the government’s reduction in Canada’s NATO commitment in Europe.
In 1970 I was posted to 2 Regular Support Unit, in support of 400 Air Reserve Squadron flying the DHC Otter at CFB Toronto (Downsview). This job involved training new pilots, conducting check flights, and flying as a 400 Squadron pilot. In 1973 I served my first ground tour by running the Aircrew Selection Centre which was also at Downsview.
In 1976, after brief refresher training in Moose Jaw and four months operational training in Greenwood, I reported to 407 Squadron in CFB Comox. In Comox I spent the next five years patrolling the Pacific Ocean in the obsolete CP-107 Argus (a.k.a. Canadair Tri-Motor). Although the 14 hour low level patrols were terminally boring, I did enjoy maritime exercises out of San Diego, San Francisco, Honolulu and CFB Greenwood. I also enjoyed Arctic patrols out of Yellowknife. After 14 boring hours in the very last ever operational Argus patrol in 1981, I spent two soul-destroying years flying a telephone in the 407 DIAC (Data Interpretation and Analysis Centre – a.k.a. Squadron and Base Operations).
My best posting by far was from 1983 to 1990 flying the CT-133 Silver Star as a member of 414 Electronic Warfare Squadron at CFB North Bay. As a 414 Black Knight I trained pilots to convert to the T-33 and participated in air defence exercises all over the United States and Canada. One particularly challenging exercise was leading a four plane T-33 formation from North Bay to Baden Germany, via Goose Bay, Iqaluit, Sondre Stromfjord Greenland, NAS Keflavik Iceland, and RAF Kinloss.
After retiring in 1990, I shared a small campervan for five months with my daughter, visiting Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Sicily then across North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) then back to Europe. Every father should do this with a college age son or daughter!
Returning to North Bay, I joined the Air Reserve Augmentation Flight and continued flying T-33s until 414 closed in 1991.
Due to a certain female person living there, I moved to London and was involved in an ultralight school at Centralia for a few years. I still fly occasionally in my ultralight. I joined the Jet Aircraft Museum from its beginning. I have been able to contribute by sharing my T-33 expertise by conducting pilot ground schools, touring guests, and being involved in the JAM Education Program.
Although my career definitely had its ups-and-downs and disappointments, I am glad that I chose a career in the RCAF. I enjoyed the “real flying” of the military as opposed to the “computer and autopilot attendant” of airline flying. I lived and worked in all four corners of our wonderful country. I made lifelong friends. I would recommend the RCAF to any young person looking for a challenging and satisfying career.
