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{{about|the Canadian military base|other uses|Gander}} {{short description|Canadian Forces base in Newfoundland and Labrador}}
{{Infobox Airport {{Infobox military installation
| name = CFB Gander | name = CFB Gander
| ensign = File:Air Force Ensign of Canada.svg
| image = CYQX.jpg
| IATA = YQX | ensign_size = 100px
| ICAO = CYQX | native_name =
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| type = Military
| location = ], ]
| owner = ]
| nearest_town = <!-- used in military test site infobox -->
| operator = ]
| country = ]
| city-served = ], ]
| image = Gander_International_Airport_(satellite_view).jpg
| elevation-f = 496
| elevation-m = 151 | image_size = 250px
| image2 = CFB Gander 9 Wing crest.png
| coordinates = {{Coord|48|56|13|N|054|34|05|W|type:airport|display=inline}}
| caption =
| website =
| pushpin_map = Canada Newfoundland and Labrador
| r1-number = 03/21
| pushpin_map_alt = CYQX
| r1-length-f = 10,200
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Newfoundland and Labrador
| r1-length-m = 3,109
| coordinates = {{coord|48|56|13|N|054|34|05|W|region:CA-NL|display=inline,title}}
| r1-surface = ]
| type = ] / civilian airport
| r2-number = 13/31
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| r2-length-f = 8,900
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| r2-length-m = 2,712
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| r2-surface = Asphalt
| ownership = ]
| r3-number = 09/27
| operator = {{air force|Canada}}<br />{{Start date|1941}} – present
| r3-length-f = 1,875
| controlledby = <!-- such as RAF Bomber Command or the Eighth Air Force -->
| r3-length-m = 571
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| r3-surface = Asphalt
| stat-year = | condition =
| site_other_label = Civilian operator
| stat1-header = Aircraft Movements
| site_other = Gander Airport Corporation
| stat1-data =
| built = {{Start date|1936}} – {{End date|1941}}
| footnotes =
| builder = {{air force|Canada}}
| used = {{Start date|1936}} – present
| materials =
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| battles = ]
| events =
| current_commander = Lieutenant Colonel Rhea MacLean
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = 9 Wing
| occupants = ] <br /> 5 ] <br /> ]<br /> ] (1982−1989) <br /> ] (1953−1990) <br /> ] (1943) <br /> ] (1943) <br /> ] (1943) <br /> ] (1941−1945) <br /> ] (1941−1945) <br /> ] (1941−1945) <br /> ] (1942−1945) <br /> ] (1942−1945) <br /> ] (1942−1945) <br> ]
| elevation = {{convert|496|ft|abbr=on}}
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA = YQX
| ICAO = CYQX
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| r1-number = 03/21
| r1-length = {{Convert|10,200|ft|abbr=on}}
| r1-surface = ]
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| r2-number = 13/31
| r2-length = {{Convert|8,900|ft|abbr=on}}
| r2-surface = Asphalt concrete
| r3-number = 09/27
| r3-length = {{Convert|1848|ft|abbr=on}}
| r3-surface = Asphalt concrete<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airportnavfinder.com/airport/CYQX/ | title=Cyqx : Gander Intl }}</ref>
| website = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/9-wing/index.page?
| footnotes = ]
}} }}


'''Canadian Forces Base Gander''' (also '''CFB Gander'''), is a ] located in ], ]. It is operated as an air force base by ] and is home to air/marine search and rescue operations that cover a vast swath of the western North Atlantic and southern Arctic. Its primary lodger unit is 9 Wing. '''Canadian Forces Base Gander''' (also '''CFB Gander''', {{airport codes|YQX|CYQX|p=n}}), is a ] located in ], ]. It is operated as an air force base by the ] and is home to search and rescue operations that cover a vast swath of the western North Atlantic and southern Arctic and a Canadian Coastal Radar station amongst other things. It is home to 9 Wing Gander.


CFB Gander is co-located at ''']'''. CFB Gander is co-located at ].


==RCAF Station Gander== ==RCAF Station Gander==

The '''Newfoundland Airport''' was established by the ] in 1936 and it became a strategically important airfield for piston-engined aircraft in the late 1930s. The '''Newfoundland Airport''' was established by the ] in 1936 and it became a strategically important airfield for piston-engined aircraft in the late 1930s.


Shortly after ] was declared, the Government of Newfoundland turned the operation of the airfield over to the ] (RCAF) in 1940, which had been tasked by the ] the responsibility to provide aerial defence for the dominion. The No. 10 Bomber and Reconnaissance (BR) Squadron began operating from the airfield, flying ]s and later, ]s with responsibility to protect supply convoys in the North Atlantic from enemy U-boats. Shortly after ] was declared, the Government of Newfoundland turned the operation of the airfield over to the ] (RCAF) in 1940, which had been tasked by the United Kingdom the responsibility to provide aerial defense for the dominion. The No. 10 Bomber and Reconnaissance (BR) Squadron began operating from the airfield, flying ]s and later, ]s with responsibility to protect supply convoys in the North Atlantic from enemy U-boats.


The airfield was renamed '''RCAF Station Gander''' in 1941 and it became heavily used by ] for transporting military aircraft from Canada and the United States to the European theatre. By 1943, Gander was the largest RCAF station in the world (in terms of physical size) and the ] maintained a strong presence at the airfield, providing anti-aircraft and airfield defense. The airfield was renamed '''RCAF Station Gander''' in 1941 and it became heavily used by ] for transporting military aircraft from Canada and the United States to the European theatre. By 1943, Gander was the largest RCAF station in the world (in terms of physical size) and the ] maintained a strong presence at the airfield, providing anti-aircraft and airfield defense.


Several units were based at RCAF Station Gander during the war. No. 10 BR Squadron remained until August 1945 and was reinforced at times by No. 5 BR Squadron and No. 116 BR Squadron flying ]s for anti-submarine patrols and ]. From 1942 ] fighters of 126, 127 and 129 Squadron were based at RCAF Station Gander. Throughout the war the ] (RCN) maintained a communications station at RCAF Station Gander, Its main task was ] (HFDF) and communications monitoring of Nazi U-boat radio transmissions. Several units were based at RCAF Station Gander during the war. ] remained until August 1945 and was reinforced at times by ] and ] flying ]s for anti-submarine patrols and ]. From 1942 ] fighters of the ] ], ], and ] were based at RCAF Station Gander. Throughout the war the ] (RCN) maintained a communications station at RCAF Station Gander, Its main task was ] (HFDF) and communications monitoring of German U-boat radio transmissions.


The United States ] assigned several squadrons of long-range antisubmarine aircraft (], ]) to fly killer-hunter flights over the Grand Banks and also provide convoy escort overflights from ]. After the fall of 1943, these missions were undertaken by the ].
The RCAF handed operation of the airfield back to the Government of Newfoundland in March 1946 and removed its presence at what was promptly renamed '''Gander Airport''' (it was later upgraded to international status), although the RCN's radio monitoring station remained in operation. The airfield was taken over by Canada's federal government under the ] in 1949 after Newfoundland became Canada's tenth province. Facilities and runways were enlarged and modified for larger aircraft.


The RCAF handed operation of the airfield back to the Government of Newfoundland in March 1946 and removed its presence at what was promptly renamed ''Gander Airport'' (it was later upgraded to international status), although the RCN's radio monitoring station remained in operation. The airfield was taken over by Canada's federal government under the ] in 1949 after Newfoundland became Canada's tenth province. Facilities and runways were enlarged and modified for larger aircraft.
When Newfoundland joined confederation, the RCN formally acquired the property known as the "Old Navy Site" and Naval Radio station Gander, call sign CGV, was born. Naval Radio Station (NRS) Gander consisted of four buildings, four sailors and a few civilian personnel.


When Newfoundland joined ], the RCN formally acquired the property known as the "Old Navy Site" and Naval Radio station Gander, call sign CGV, was born. Naval Radio Station (NRS) Gander consisted of four buildings, four sailors and a few civilian personnel.
In the early 1950s, the RCAF and ] (USAF) constructed an aircraft early warning radar station near the airfield as part of the ]. This new radar station took up the retired name '''RCAF Station Gander''' and the 226 Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) squadron was established to operate it. In 1966 the RCAF's No. 226 AC&W began administering the RCN's Naval Radio Station Gander as well.

===Aerodrome===
In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed as ''RCAF Aerodrome - Gander, Newfoundland'' at {{coord|48|57|N|54|34|W|region:CA-NL}} with a variation of 30 degrees west and elevation of {{Convert|452|ft|abbr=on}}. The field was listed as "All hard surfaced" and had four runways listed as follows:<ref name=Handbook>Staff Writer c.1942, p. 3</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Runway Name
! Length
! Width
! Surface
|-
| 5/23
| {{Convert|4500|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{Convert|600|ft|abbr=on}}
| Hard Surfaced
|-
| 9/27
| {{Convert|4800|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{Convert|1200|ft|abbr=on}}
| Hard Surfaced
|-
| 12/30
| {{Convert|4700|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{Convert|600|ft|abbr=on}}
| Hard Surfaced
|-
| 18/36
| {{Convert|4450|ft|abbr=on}}
| {{Convert|600|ft|abbr=on}}
| Hard Surfaced
|}

===Pinetree Line Radar site===
In 1952, the ] constructed a General Surveillance radar station near the airfield as part of the ], designated "N-25". The new station was reassigned in 1953 to the Royal Canadian Air Force and took up the retired name ''RCAF Station Gander'' (designated "C-25"). The station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station housing the 226 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders picked up on the unit's radar scopes.

It was equipped with the following radars:
* Search Radar: ]C, ]A, ]A, ]
* Height Radar: AN/TPS-502, ]B, ]

On 1 July 1990, the site was inactivated and closed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radomes.org/museum/showsite.php?site=Gander+AS,+NL,+CN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061708/http://www.radomes.org/museum/showsite.php?site=Gander+AS,+NL,+CN |archive-date=2016-03-04 |title=Display site}}</ref>


==Canadian Forces Station Gander== ==Canadian Forces Station Gander==
On ], ] the RCN, RCAF and Canadian Army were unified and reorganized into the ]. RCAF Station Gander, operating the Pinetree Line radar station and the Naval Radio Station Gander, was renamed '''Canadian Forces Station''' Gander, or '''CFS Gander'''. On February 1, 1968, the RCN, RCAF and Canadian Army were unified and reorganized into the ]. RCAF Station Gander, operating the Pinetree Line radar station and the Naval Radio Station Gander, was renamed ''Canadian Forces Station'' Gander, or ''CFS Gander''.


In 1970 a new expanded communications monitoring facility was constructed for ], replacing Naval Radio Station Gander in 1971. CFS Gander's Pinetree Line radar and its new communications facilities provided support to ] fighter-interceptors operating from ] and ] with the ]. In 1970 a new expanded communications monitoring facility was constructed for ], replacing Naval Radio Station Gander in 1971. CFS Gander's Pinetree Line radar and its new communications facilities provided support to ] fighter-interceptors operating from ] and ] with the ].


In 1977, Gander saw its first military flying unit return to the area since the war when a detachment of 424 Squadron, flying ] helicopters moved to CFS Gander to provide ] (SAR) operations (this being in response to Canada declaring its 200 nautical mile ] offshore, resulting in increased Canadian fishing activities). Having found a permanent home at Gander, the SAR helicopters were no longer a 424 Squadron detachment and a new unit identifier was required. Thus, in May 1977, ] (RU) was reactivated at Gander. ] (AIRCOM) also regained control of CFS Gander from Communications Command in May 1977, although Communications Command continued to operate the radio intercept facility. 103 Squadron was housed in a separate facility constructed some distance from the civilian airfield terminal. In 1977, Gander saw its first military flying unit return to the area since the war when a detachment of 424 Squadron, flying ] helicopters moved to CFS Gander to provide ] (SAR) operations (this being in response to Canada declaring its {{convert|200|nmi|km|adj=on}} ] offshore, resulting in increased Canadian fishing activities). Having found a permanent home at Gander, the SAR helicopters were no longer a 424 Squadron detachment and a new unit identifier was required. Thus, in May 1977, ] was reactivated at Gander. ] (AIRCOM) also regained control of CFS Gander from Communications Command in May 1977, although Communications Command continued to operate the radio intercept facility. 103 Squadron was housed in a separate facility constructed some distance from the civilian airfield terminal.


==Canadian Forces Base Gander== ==Canadian Forces Base Gander==
<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: ] --> ] Cormorant at CFB Gander]]
By 1984 CFS Gander was the largest Canadian Forces Station in the Canadian Forces. Because Gander was such a large establishment and because 103 Rescue Unit had such a high profile with its ocean rescue mission, the station was officially upgraded to a ], becoming '''Canadian Forces Base Gander''' or '''CFB Gander''' in March 1984. By 1984 CFS Gander was the largest Canadian Forces Station in the Canadian Forces. Because Gander was such a large establishment and because 103 Rescue Unit had such a high-profile with its ocean rescue mission, the station was officially upgraded to a ], becoming ''Canadian Forces Base Gander'' or ''CFB Gander'' in March 1984.


During the early 1990s the federal government began to cut back on its defence budget, resulting in numerous base closures across Canada. AIRCOM units were consolidated into wings in April 1993, which became the high level "lodger unit" at Canadian Forces Bases which operated as air force bases. Thus while the actual base is known as CFB Gander, its primary lodger unit (or operational unit) is 9 Wing, frequently referred to as 9 Wing Gander. During the early 1990s the federal government began to cut back on its defence budget, resulting in numerous base closures across Canada. AIRCOM units were consolidated into wings in April 1993, which became the high-level "lodger unit" at Canadian Forces Bases which operated as air force bases. Thus while the actual base is known as CFB Gander, its primary lodger unit (or operational unit) is 9 Wing, frequently referred to as 9 Wing Gander.


Among its many roles, 9 Wing Gander is responsible for providing search and rescue services throughout ] and ], northeastern ], the eastern ] and offshore waters of these regions. Crews of ] are on 24-hour standby, ready to answer the call in one of the busiest search and rescue regions in Canada. Among its many roles, 9 Wing Gander is responsible for providing search and rescue services throughout ] and ], northeastern ], the eastern ] and offshore waters of these regions. Crews of ] are on 24-hour standby, ready to answer the call in one of the busiest search and rescue regions in Canada.
Line 70: Line 142:
9 Wing includes the 9 Air Reserve Augmentation Flight. It augments and support the operations, administrative and technical functions of the base. Its Airfield Engineers Flight provides trained engineer reservists from various trades to support ] and ] deployments worldwide. 9 Wing includes the 9 Air Reserve Augmentation Flight. It augments and support the operations, administrative and technical functions of the base. Its Airfield Engineers Flight provides trained engineer reservists from various trades to support ] and ] deployments worldwide.


CFB Gander is also host to the ] which operates and maintains signals intelligence. 9 Wing Telecommunications provides all military air units at Gander with message transmission and reception services. CFB Gander is also host to the ] which operates and maintains signals intelligence and utilizes a ] ] circularly disposed antenna array for ] of high-priority targets. 9 Wing Telecommunications provides all military air units at Gander with message transmission and reception services.

In addition, CFB Gander operates and maintains a Canadian Coastal Radar on behalf of Fighter Group Canadian ] Region Headquarters. Also based at CFB Gander is the Headquarters of 5 ] Patrol Group which is part of the Army's ].

==Units==
=== Current units===
*]
*9 Wing air reserve flight
*]
*29 Military Police flight

===Former units===
====Royal Canadian Air Force====
* 226 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron
* 770 Communications Research Squadron
*]
*]
*]

====United States Air Force ====
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]

==See also==
*]

==References==
<references/>
*{{cite book|author=Staff writer|title= Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 1|publisher=Royal Canadian Air Force|date=c. 1942}}


==External links==
In addition, CFB Gander operates and maintains a Canadian Coastal Radar on behalf of Fighter Group Canadian ] Region Headquarters.
*


{{Canadian Forces Air Command}} {{Canadian Forces Air Command}}
{{Canadian Forces Bases}}
{{USAAF Antisubmarine Command}}
{{NLMilitary|state=collapsed}}
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Gander}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Gander}}
] ]
] ]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 11:48, 4 April 2024

Canadian Forces base in Newfoundland and Labrador
CFB Gander
Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada
CYQXCYQXCFB GanderLocation in Newfoundland and Labrador
Coordinates48°56′13″N 054°34′05″W / 48.93694°N 54.56806°W / 48.93694; -54.56806
TypeMilitary air base / civilian airport
Site information
OwnerDepartment of National Defence
Operator Royal Canadian Air Force
1941 (1941) – present
Civilian operatorGander Airport Corporation
Websitehttp://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/9-wing/index.page?
Site history
Built1936 (1936) – 1941 (1941)
Built by Royal Canadian Air Force
In use1936 (1936) – present
Battles/warsBattle of the Atlantic
Garrison information
Current
commander		Lieutenant Colonel Rhea MacLean
Garrison9 Wing
Occupants103 Search and Rescue Squadron
5 Canadian Rangers
CFS Leitrim Detachment
International Ice Patrol (1982−1989)
226 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (1953−1990)
4th Antisubmarine Squadron (1943)
6th Antisubmarine Squadron (1943)
19th Antisubmarine Squadron (1943)
No. 10 Squadron (1941−1945)
No. 5 Squadron (1941−1945)
No. 116 Squadron (1941−1945)
No. 126 Squadron (1942−1945)
No. 127 Squadron (1942−1945)
No. 129 Squadron (1942−1945)
21st Reconnaissance Squadron
Airfield information
IdentifiersIATA: YQX, ICAO: CYQX
Elevation496 ft (151 m) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
03/21 10,200 ft (3,100 m) Asphalt concrete
13/31 8,900 ft (2,700 m) Asphalt concrete
09/27 1,848 ft (563 m) Asphalt concrete
CFB Gander Diagram

Canadian Forces Base Gander (also CFB Gander, IATA: YQX, ICAO: CYQX), is a Canadian Forces base located in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is home to search and rescue operations that cover a vast swath of the western North Atlantic and southern Arctic and a Canadian Coastal Radar station amongst other things. It is home to 9 Wing Gander.

CFB Gander is co-located at Gander International Airport.

RCAF Station Gander

The Newfoundland Airport was established by the Dominion of Newfoundland in 1936 and it became a strategically important airfield for piston-engined aircraft in the late 1930s.

Shortly after World War II was declared, the Government of Newfoundland turned the operation of the airfield over to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1940, which had been tasked by the United Kingdom the responsibility to provide aerial defense for the dominion. The No. 10 Bomber and Reconnaissance (BR) Squadron began operating from the airfield, flying Douglas Digbys and later, Liberators with responsibility to protect supply convoys in the North Atlantic from enemy U-boats.

The airfield was renamed RCAF Station Gander in 1941 and it became heavily used by Ferry Command for transporting military aircraft from Canada and the United States to the European theatre. By 1943, Gander was the largest RCAF station in the world (in terms of physical size) and the Canadian Army maintained a strong presence at the airfield, providing anti-aircraft and airfield defense.

Several units were based at RCAF Station Gander during the war. No. 10 Squadron remained until August 1945 and was reinforced at times by No. 5 Squadron and No. 116 Squadron flying Cansos for anti-submarine patrols and search and rescue. From 1942 Hurricane fighters of the Royal Air Force No. 126 Squadron, No. 127 Squadron, and No. 129 Squadron were based at RCAF Station Gander. Throughout the war the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) maintained a communications station at RCAF Station Gander, Its main task was high-frequency direction finding (HFDF) and communications monitoring of German U-boat radio transmissions.

The United States Army Air Forces Antisubmarine Command assigned several squadrons of long-range antisubmarine aircraft (B-24 Liberator, B-18 Bolo) to fly killer-hunter flights over the Grand Banks and also provide convoy escort overflights from Newfoundland. After the fall of 1943, these missions were undertaken by the United States Navy.

The RCAF handed operation of the airfield back to the Government of Newfoundland in March 1946 and removed its presence at what was promptly renamed Gander Airport (it was later upgraded to international status), although the RCN's radio monitoring station remained in operation. The airfield was taken over by Canada's federal government under the Department of Transport in 1949 after Newfoundland became Canada's tenth province. Facilities and runways were enlarged and modified for larger aircraft.

When Newfoundland joined Confederation, the RCN formally acquired the property known as the "Old Navy Site" and Naval Radio station Gander, call sign CGV, was born. Naval Radio Station (NRS) Gander consisted of four buildings, four sailors and a few civilian personnel.

Aerodrome

In approximately 1942 the aerodrome was listed as RCAF Aerodrome - Gander, Newfoundland at 48°57′N 54°34′W / 48.950°N 54.567°W / 48.950; -54.567 with a variation of 30 degrees west and elevation of 452 ft (138 m). The field was listed as "All hard surfaced" and had four runways listed as follows:

Runway Name Length Width Surface
5/23 4,500 ft (1,400 m) 600 ft (180 m) Hard Surfaced
9/27 4,800 ft (1,500 m) 1,200 ft (370 m) Hard Surfaced
12/30 4,700 ft (1,400 m) 600 ft (180 m) Hard Surfaced
18/36 4,450 ft (1,360 m) 600 ft (180 m) Hard Surfaced

Pinetree Line Radar site

In 1952, the United States Air Force constructed a General Surveillance radar station near the airfield as part of the Pinetree Line, designated "N-25". The new station was reassigned in 1953 to the Royal Canadian Air Force and took up the retired name RCAF Station Gander (designated "C-25"). The station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station housing the 226 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders picked up on the unit's radar scopes.

It was equipped with the following radars:

On 1 July 1990, the site was inactivated and closed.

Canadian Forces Station Gander

On February 1, 1968, the RCN, RCAF and Canadian Army were unified and reorganized into the Canadian Forces. RCAF Station Gander, operating the Pinetree Line radar station and the Naval Radio Station Gander, was renamed Canadian Forces Station Gander, or CFS Gander.

In 1970 a new expanded communications monitoring facility was constructed for Communications Command, replacing Naval Radio Station Gander in 1971. CFS Gander's Pinetree Line radar and its new communications facilities provided support to NORAD fighter-interceptors operating from CFB Chatham and CFB Bagotville with the CF-101 Voodoo.

In 1977, Gander saw its first military flying unit return to the area since the war when a detachment of 424 Squadron, flying CH-113 Labrador helicopters moved to CFS Gander to provide search and rescue (SAR) operations (this being in response to Canada declaring its 200-nautical-mile (370 km) Exclusive Economic Zone offshore, resulting in increased Canadian fishing activities). Having found a permanent home at Gander, the SAR helicopters were no longer a 424 Squadron detachment and a new unit identifier was required. Thus, in May 1977, 103 Search and Rescue Flight was reactivated at Gander. Air Command (AIRCOM) also regained control of CFS Gander from Communications Command in May 1977, although Communications Command continued to operate the radio intercept facility. 103 Squadron was housed in a separate facility constructed some distance from the civilian airfield terminal.

Canadian Forces Base Gander

Canadian CH-149 Cormorant at CFB Gander

By 1984 CFS Gander was the largest Canadian Forces Station in the Canadian Forces. Because Gander was such a large establishment and because 103 Rescue Unit had such a high-profile with its ocean rescue mission, the station was officially upgraded to a Canadian Forces Base, becoming Canadian Forces Base Gander or CFB Gander in March 1984.

During the early 1990s the federal government began to cut back on its defence budget, resulting in numerous base closures across Canada. AIRCOM units were consolidated into wings in April 1993, which became the high-level "lodger unit" at Canadian Forces Bases which operated as air force bases. Thus while the actual base is known as CFB Gander, its primary lodger unit (or operational unit) is 9 Wing, frequently referred to as 9 Wing Gander.

Among its many roles, 9 Wing Gander is responsible for providing search and rescue services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, northeastern Quebec, the eastern Arctic and offshore waters of these regions. Crews of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron are on 24-hour standby, ready to answer the call in one of the busiest search and rescue regions in Canada.

103 Squadron also offers transient aircraft servicing to visiting Canadian Forces and allied aircraft as requested.

9 Wing includes the 9 Air Reserve Augmentation Flight. It augments and support the operations, administrative and technical functions of the base. Its Airfield Engineers Flight provides trained engineer reservists from various trades to support UN and Canadian Forces deployments worldwide.

CFB Gander is also host to the Leitrim Detachment which operates and maintains signals intelligence and utilizes a Wullenweber AN/FRD-10 circularly disposed antenna array for High-frequency direction finding of high-priority targets. 9 Wing Telecommunications provides all military air units at Gander with message transmission and reception services.

In addition, CFB Gander operates and maintains a Canadian Coastal Radar on behalf of Fighter Group Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters. Also based at CFB Gander is the Headquarters of 5 Canadian Rangers Patrol Group which is part of the Army's 5th Canadian Division.

Units

Current units

Former units

Royal Canadian Air Force

United States Air Force

See also

References

  1. "Cyqx : Gander Intl".
  2. Staff Writer c.1942, p. 3
  3. "Display site". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  • Staff writer (c. 1942). Pilots Handbook of Aerodromes and Seaplane Bases Vol. 1. Royal Canadian Air Force.

External links

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