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The role of 3 CFFTS in Southport MB, is to conduct military pilot training. On average 75% of new RCAF winged pilots graduate from 3CFFTS, of which approximately 65% become helicopter pilots and 35% carry on to fly various multi-engine fixed winged aircrafts. After receiving their wings, each graduate is awarded a posting to an RCAF unit at a Canadian Forces base where they will continue to learn. This cache series was hidden for course RW1301 and ME1302 which graduated on May 24, 2013.
435 "Chinthe" Transport and Rescue Squadron
The mission of 435 "Chinthe" Transport and Rescue Squadron is to conduct air mobility and search and rescue operations.
435 Squadron tasks include airlift of freight and passengers, air-to-air refuelling of fighter aircraft in Canada and around the world and search and rescue operations within the Trenton Search and Rescue Region from the border with the United States to the geographic North Pole.
435 Squadron was formed at Gujrat, India in November 1944, and conducted airlift missions using the famous Douglas Dakota aircraft in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations.
435 Squadron is the only Air Force squadron equipped and trained to conduct air-to-air refuelling of fighter aircraft in support of operational and training activities at home and abroad. The CC-130 Hercules tanker is a key asset for the Canadian NORAD Region in its mission to defend Canada and the United States against aerial threats that originate outside or within North American airspace. The Squadron has been operating the tankers in support of fighter operations since 1992.
In addition to NORAD deployments within Canada 435 Squadron has conducted many air-to-air refuelling operations overseas. 435 Squadron deployed a CC-130H Hercules tanker detachment to Kuwait as part of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH in 1998. During OPERATION ALLIED FORCE, the 79-day NATO air campaign in 1999 in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, 435 Squadron conducted deployments of CF-18 Hornet fighter-bombers from Canada to Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on North America, 435 has continued it's air-to-air refuelling mission s in support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, NORAD's on-going internal air defence operation.
Search and rescue at 435 Squadron is a 24 hour-a-day, seven day-a-week responsibility. One CC-130 Hercules aircraft is permanently equipped and dedicated for search and rescue missions. During working hours on weekdays, the search and rescue standby aircraft and crew are ready to respond within 30 minutes of being notified. At all other times, the response time is extended to two hours. 435 Squadron provides primary SAR response for the Trenton Search and Rescue Region, the largest in Canada, extending from Quebec City to the British Columbia/Alberta border, and from the Canada/United States border to the North Pole.
Every year, 435 Squadron crews fly thousands of hours. 435 Squadron airlift missions include re-supply of Canadian Forces Station Alert on Ellesmere Island in the high Arctic, the Northern-most human habitation in the world, and missions across the country and around the world. 435 Squadron has been a major contributor to the Campaign Against Terrorism, with many Squadron personnel deploying overseas to Camp Mirage in the Arabian Gulf region to conduct airlift activities in support of deployed Canadian and Allied forces.
Whether searching for Canadians in distress, refuelling CF-18 Hornet fighter-bombers on a NORAD mission or flying into a gravel airstrip at the top of the world, 435 "Chinthe" Transport and Rescue Squadron strives to live up to its motto: Certi Provehendi - Determined to Deliver.
Squadron Badge
The squadron's badge features its mascot the Chinthe; a mythical creature that is half dog and half lion. Legend says the Chinthe guarded the entrance to Burmese pagodas.
Squadron Motto
The squadron motto "Certi Provehendi" or "Determined on Delivery" appears at the bottom of the badge.
Aircraft
CC-130 Hercules (6)
History
435 "Chinthe" Transport and Rescue Squadron was formed at Gujrat, India in November 1944, and conducted airlift missions using the famous Douglas Dakotaaircraft in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations.
Since that time, the Squadron has operated Douglas CC-129 Dakotas, Fairchild C-119 Boxcars, and Lockheed CC-130 Hercules in many roles including airlift, search and rescue, and air-to-air refuelling. Following the Second World War, the squadron was based at RCAF Station (later Canadian Forces Base) Namao at Edmonton, Alberta. In 1994, 435 Squadron moved to its current location, 17 Wing Winnipeg, Manitoba.
China-Burma-India Campaign
435 Transport Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, was formed on November 1st, 1944, at Gujrat, Punjab, India . At the time, the Squadron flew Douglas Dakota Aircraft in support of the British Fourteenth Army in Northern Burma.
While flying in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations, 435 Squadron completed 15,681 sorties (missions), moving 27,460 tons of freight, 14,000 passengers and 851 casualties.
Four aircraft were lost on operations and the Squadron suffered 21 aircrew casualties, of which eight were killed and eight were missing. In 1996, the remains of the Dakota KN 563 crew, missing since the aircraft disappeared on an operational mission on June 21st, 1945, were recovered from the Burmese jungle.
Post-War
Following the Second World War, 435 Squadron was disbanded at Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, England on 1 April, 1946, and reformed later that same year at Edmonton Municipal Airport in Edmonton, Alberta on 1 August, 1946. Still flying Douglas Dakotas, the Squadron's mission was to conduct airlift missions in Western Canada and support parachute training at the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre at RCAF Station Rivers, Manitoba.
In 1952, the squadron was equipped with the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. Due to its larger cargo capacity, greater range, and ease of loading through it's rear "clamshell" doors, the Boxcar played an essential role in opening up one of Canada's last frontiers: the Arctic. In addition, 435 Squadron and its Boxcars were instrumental in the airlift of the United Nations Emergency Force from Italy to the Sinai in the fall and winter of 1956-57.
In 1955, the squadron moved to RCAF Station Namao (now an Army garrison known as Steele Barracks), just north of Edmonton where it would remain until 1994.
The first of the Lockheed C-130B Hercules Aircraft arrived in 1960, which were exchanged for newer C-130E aircraft in 1966. From 1973 to 1992, the newer 'H' model Hercules were purchased to supplement the older 'E' models in the fleet.
Original cache content : Log book, pencil, Sqn crest.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)