406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron (MOTS)
406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron, located at 12 Wing Shearwater in Nova Scotia, is the home of basic Sea King helicopter training in Canada.
Every year, 406 Squadron trains Pilots, Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSO), and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AESOps) in the fundamental aspects of Sea King flight operations. In addition, the Squadron Technical Training Flight conducts a wide range of Avionics and Aviation courses for Sea King technicians, as well as specialty maintenance courses for personnel from other flying communities. On an annual basis, between 200 and 300 students, aircrew and maintainers alike, graduate from 406 Squadron courses.
The ultimate mission of the Squadron is to provide trained and qualified technicians and aircrew for operational employment by the maritime helicopter community. In our partner Squadrons (423 Squadron at Shearwater, and 443 Squadron at Patricia Bay, BC) Sea King graduates from 406 Squadron join helicopter air detachments aboard Her Majesty's Canadian ships to complete their training, and for eventual employment as fully operational, combat-ready air and ground crew.
To achieve the vision of creating Canada's future maritime helicopter warriors, 406 Squadron offers a challenging and dynamic lineup of courses. Pilot courses range from two to four months duration, and offer new and returning pilots instruction in aircraft systems, flight characteristics, and Sea King helicopter handling. The Squadron also provides annual Water Operations training to all active Sea King pilots. Water bird training teaches pilots how to land and take-off from the water using the Sea King's amphibious capability.
On the Sea King, the ACSO is responsible for the tactical coordination of the Aircraft and is referred to as the "TACCO." Over approximately six months of basic instruction, Sea King TACCOs learn how to fly tactical and utility missions in the aircraft, maritime-specific procedures and communications, maritime weapons systems, and surface and sub-surface warfare. Operating in company with AES Ops, TACCOs also learn search and rescue procedures, including hoisting, use of a double lift harness, and Stokes litter evacuation.
The final member of the Sea King aircrew team is the AES Op, or airborne electronic sensor operator. Drawing upon non-commissioned members who have previously been qualified in other trades or by direct entry into the Canadian Forces, the AES Op brings experience and the ability to specialize over long periods to the task of operating the Sea King sensor suite. In the aircraft, the AES Op is primarily responsible for operating the dipping sonar, but also has communications, radar operation, and search and rescue responsibilities. The AES Op course lasts an average of four months for new candidates.
Technicians play a critical support role in maintaining the capability of the Sea King weapons system, and the majority of 406 Squadron instructional staff are devoted to this task. Within the Technical Training Flight, apprentice avionics and aviation technicians learn skills that will enable them to maintain the Sea King ashore and at sea. The flight also instructs specialized courses in aircraft system repair, and conducts safety training for confined spaces and sea survival. On average, the Technical Training Flight is responsible for over 90% of the total annual graduates from 406 Squadron.
Overall, the personnel of 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron represent the foundation of the Sea King community. With new programs coming on line, and with existing courses constantly undergoing updating, Sea King flight and technical training will continue to advance, even as the introduction of the CH-148 becomes a reality and the school begins its transition to teaching on the new airframe. Whatever the aircraft, and no matter the challenge, 406 Squadron will remain committed to creating Canada's future maritime helicopter warriors.
Squadron Badge
406 "Lynx" Squadron badge depicts a lynx saliente affronte. The lynx, an animal possessing keen sight at night typifies the unit's operational role as a night fighter squadron.
Motto
The Squadron motto is: "WE KILL BY NIGHT"
History
No. 406 (Lynx) Squadron first came into being during the Second World War at Acklington, Northumberland, on May 10, 1941.
Equipped with a combination of Blenheim and Beaufighter Aircraft, 406 had the distinction of being the first Canadian Night Fighter Squadron. The squadron crest depicts a lynx leaping to the kill with the motto "we kill by night", a claim that would prove to be justified over the next four years.
Training proceeded rapidly and the Squadron first took to the skies to fulfill their primary mission, to intercept and destroy German Aircraft at night over England on June 17. Night interception had developed into a highly developed science requiring close cooperation between ground controllers and aircrew.
Using radar ground stations, controllers would direct the night fighter to a point where its own airborne radar could pick up the target. The Beaufighter crewman would than, using the radar, guide the pilot that last few miles to a position where they could engage the enemy with its four Hispano cannons and six Browning machine-guns.
No. 406 (Lynx) Squadron got their first kill on the night of September 1, 1941, during an enemy raid over Newcastle, when F/O Fumerton and Sgt Bing (both RCAF) downed a German JU88.
Over the next few years, the squadron continued to have success in their primary role over the night skies of England, moving to various bases, and later being equipped with the new Mosquito Aircraft in April 1943. However, in November 1944, 406 was disbanded as a Night Fighter Squadron. By that time they had achieved 47 Aircraft kills, 68 locomotives, 15 vehicles, 2 E-boats, 3 barges, and 3 power stations. In recognition of these victories the personnel of 406 were awarded one DSO, seven DFCs and two DFMs.
On December 5, 1944, No. 406 (Lynx) Squadron began its new role as an Intruder unit in support of bomber raids. The squadron would penetrate deep into enemy territory in search of targets or patrolling enemy airfields to engage Aircraft rising to attack the bombers. In just four months they had 33 kills, 2 probables, and 36 damaged Aircraft, making 406 Squadron the top-scoring intruder unit in Fighter Command at the end of hostilities.
By the end of the war, No. 406 (Lynx) Squadron flew 1835 sorties and had lost 33 officers and men, and on September 1, 1944, the last remaining Canadian Squadron in Fighter Command was disbanded.
406 would once again come back into existence, this time as an Auxiliary Squadron, when on July 9, 1947 it re-emerged as 406 (City of Saskatoon) Squadron (Auxiliary). The major functions were training, light bomber and ground support, transport and communications. Flying Harvard, Expeditor, and Mitchell bomber Aircraft, 406 continued to call Saskatoon home until March 31, 1967 when the squadron was disbanded for economic reasons.
Finally, on July 12, 1972, 406 was once again resurrected into 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron based in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. The unit was established to train aircrew and groundcrew for the CP-121 (Tracker) and CH124 (Sea King) Aircraft.
The squadron has continued to the present day in this role (except for the retiring of the Tracker fleet in the early 80s), graduating between 200 and 300 students from various aircrew and technical training courses in support of 12 Wings mandate to provide 'Wings for the Fleet'.
Original cache content : Log book, pencil, Sqn crest
This cache replaces previous "406 Sqn" (GC45TDD)