12 Wing Shearwater celebrates 100 years

12 Wing Shearwater is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary.

It is only the second base to reach the milestone, following CFB Borden which was built in 1916.

Shearwater was established shortly after, near the end of the First World War. It was originally established by the U.S. Navy and was turned over to Canada at the end of the war.

Colonel Sid Connor is the current Wing Commander and said one of the biggest changes the base has seen over the years is the evolution of aircrafts.

“Those earlier aircrafts, foldable aircrafts relying mainly on hydraulics and mechanical systems, and then transition to today where we have again a foldable helicopter, but very much reliant on much higher technology and much better sensors.”

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Some of that evolution can be seen at the new aviation park which officially opened today and plays host to a CH-124 Sea King, TBM Avenger and CT-133 Silver Star (T-Bird).

“It’s just a small slice of the aircraft that have flown here,” said Lightbody of the new park.

“But it brings back the memories and it sort of shows the history.”

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The park was created in a circle, leaving the option to add more aircraft and monuments in the future, with the option to add concentric circles to expand it even further.

Throughout the years, the Wing has provided support for the Royal Canadian Navy, deploying on various aircraft carriers including Frigates and Destroyers.

Aircrafts have been used through the Cold War, in the post-Cold War era, and are now deployed on missions with NATO.

Connor said it is an honour to be part of the team during this milestone, and it is important to remember those who have served before him.

“There have been many thousand folks who have gone before us, over those years who have deployed from here, many thousands of family members who have stayed behind and kept faith for their families while they were away.

“I’d like to also acknowledge Halifax/Dartmouth-area folks who have supported the military for this 100 years and more than that for the Navy.”

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0:54 Hawker Hurricane replica unveiled at aviation museum in Shearwater, N.S.