The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) (French: Aviation royale canadienne (ARC)), formerly Canadian Forces Air Command, is one of three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces. The professional head of the RCAF holds the title Chief of the Air Force Staff and Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The position is currently held by Lieutenant General Yvan Blondin. The RCAF consists of 14,500 Regular Force and 2,600 Primary Reserve airmen and airwomen, supported by 2,500 civilians.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to the National Search and Rescue Program.
The RCAF, an independent service until 1968, developed from the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was incorporated into the Department of National Defence in 1923 and granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V.
In 1968, the RCAF was amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army as part of the unification of the Canadian Forces. Air units were split between several different commands: Air Defence Command (interceptors), Air Transport Command (airlift, search and rescue), Mobile Command (tactical fighters, helicopters), Maritime Command (anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol), as well as Training Command.
In 1975, some commands were dissolved (ADC, ATC, TC), and all air units were placed under a new environmental command called simply Air Command (AIRCOM). Air Command was renamed the "Royal Canadian Air Force" in August 2011. The Royal Canadian Air Force has served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the First Gulf War and several United Nations peacekeeping missions and NATO operations. As a NATO member, the force maintained a presence in Europe during the second half of the 20th century.
Read more about Royal Canadian Air Force: Aircraft, Leased and Contractor Aircraft, Weapons and Other Equipment, Retired Weapons, Current Structure, Rank Structure, Recognition
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The royal eagle draws his vigorous young”
—James Thomson (1700–1748)
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—John Rhodes Sturdy, Canadian screenwriter. Richard Rossen. Joyce Cartwright (Ella Raines)
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With our last air ‘twill be breath’d out,
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)