402 Winnipeg Squadron celebrates 92 years

The 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron is celebrating 92 years in the community.

The aircrew training facility celebrated on Friday at 17 Wing Winnipeg, marking its long history of serving the country.

“We have been a bomber squadron, fighter squadron, transport squadron and now we are a training unit,” said Commanding Officer Lt.-Col. Geneviève Dussault.

Currently, 402 Squadron’s primary goal is to train air combat systems officers and airborne electric sensor operators at the basic level.

“Here they learn the foundational level of aircrew, their job specifically,” said Chief Warrant Officer Steve Bodnar.

“They earn their wings and then they move on to their operational squadrons after they’re done their course.”

Friday’s anniversary celebration included former members of the 402 Squadron as a way to bring together the past, present, and future.

“What’s special today, other than eating cake, celebrating all together and sharing stories, is the International Plastic Modelers Society, the Winnipeg club, they have built a model of the P-51 Mustang as flown as 402 Squadron,” Dussault said.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) also marked a big anniversary this year, celebrating 100 years of service.

To mark these occasions, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is holding a Military Appreciation Day on Saturday.

The event will include the RCAF band, games and crafts, aircraft displays, and a search and rescue technician rappel off the museum roof.

- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace.