450 Sqn Traditional Cache
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The role of 3 CFFTS in Southport MB, is to conduct military pilot training. On average 75% of new RCAF winged pilots graduate from 3CFFTS, of which approximately 65% become helicopter pilots and 35% carry on to fly various multi-engine fixed winged aircrafts. After receiving their wings, each graduate is awarded a posting to an RCAF unit at a Canadian Forces base where they will continue to learn. This cache series was hidden for course RW1301 and ME1302 which graduated on May 24, 2013.
450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (THS)
The squadron number 450 was originally allocated to the Royal Australian Air Force in the Second World War. Canada received permission to adopt the number and 450 Heavy Transport Helicopter Squadron was formed at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Que., on March 29, 1968.
They moved to CFB Ottawa (Uplands) in May 1970 and the squadron’s name changed to 450 Transport Helicopter Squadron on 20 May 1970. On Aug. 1, 1991 the squadron became 450 Composite Helicopter Squadron and then 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron on April 1, 1993. The squadron moved back to 1 Wing in St. Hubert in August 1994.
The squadron ceased operations in 1996 and was formally disbanded on Jan. 1, 1998.
On May 2, 2012, the squadron was re-established as 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron to fly the Canadian Forces’ CH-147F Chinook helicopters, which will begin delivery to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2013. The squadron will be based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ont., and will report to 1 Wing Kingston, Ont.
Motto
BY AIR TO BATTLE
Badge
Argent in front of a viking axe and sword in saltire Gules a viking helmet Or.
Significance
Since the Vikings are considered to be among the first people to venture forth into unknown and uncharted areas, the Viking motif bears suitable reference to the fact that the squadron was the first Canadian heavy transport helicopter squadron formed to venture into the comparatively new role of logistic air support using helicopters.
Aircraft
450 Squadron has flown these aircraft during its history:
- Boeing Vertol CH-113 Voyageur
- Boeing CH-147 Chinook
- Bell CH-135 Twin Huey
- Boeing CH-147F Chinook (starting in 2013)
Original cache content : Log book, pencil, Sqn crest.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)
Treasures
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