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12 Wing Shearwater celebrates 100 years

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12 Wing Shearwater celebrates 100 years
WATCH: A century's worth of aviation history was celebrated this morning at 12 Wing Shearwater. The base is one of the oldest in Canada. Alicia Draus has more on the base's rich history – Aug 2, 2018

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.

“This [base] has particularly poignancy because its served both the Navy, the Air Force, the Canadian Armed Forces when it was tri-service and then now back to the Air Force,” said Former Wing Commander Ian Lightbody, who is now retired from the Military.

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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.

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“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.”

READ MORE: Military shows off new Cyclone helicopter days before first international deployment

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.

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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.”

WATCH MORE: Hawker Hurricane replica unveiled at aviation museum in Shearwater, N.S.

Click to play video: 'Hawker Hurricane replica unveiled at aviation museum in Shearwater, N.S.'
Hawker Hurricane replica unveiled at aviation museum in Shearwater, N.S.

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