CFB North Bay - Canadian Forces Base North Bay

Canadian Forces Base North Bay

RCAF Station North Bay was renamed Canadian Forces Base North Bay (abbreviated "CFB North Bay") on 1 April 1966, as part of the Canadian government's plan to merge the country's air force, army and navy into a single entity, the Canadian Armed Forces. This plan, "Unification", came into effect on 1 February 1968. The word "Armed" was eventually removed, and the country's military became the Canadian Forces, a term that continues in use (even though in 2011 the air and sea elements were renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy).

December 1967 until August 1972 there were no flying units at CFB North Bay. The airfield portion of the base, at one time a thriving fighter station, fell largely into disuse. For example, one of its main hangars, employed in the servicing and housing of heavily-armed jet interceptors, was converted into an ice rink, and saw year-round use by hockey leagues, figure skating clubs and various other civilian entities in and around the City of North Bay.

414 Squadron returned to CFB North Bay, August 1972 to August 1992. Now an electronic warfare unit, 414 Squadron trained flying and ground air defence personnel how to fight a war when an enemy has disrupted radar systems and radio communications. Specializing in jamming, interference and the stealing of radar and radio signals (stealing—e.g., 414 Sqn personnel would come on a radio frequency and pretend to be a fighter pilot or ground controller, disrupting the air defences) the unit earned considerable renown and notoriety for its abilities, and its services were frequently requested by the navy and by American armed forces.

In August 1992, 414 Squadron was split into two units, and posted to the east and west coasts of Canada. Thereafter, all of the base's airfield facilities were either demolished or sold, and CFB North Bay became the only air base in Canada not to have any military flying whatsoever.