NR 09.004 - January 20, 2009
OTTAWA – Major-General Marcel Duval, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, presided over a ceremony today at Vintage Wings of Canada, located at the Gatineau Airport near Ottawa, to mark the re-formation of 414 Electronic Warfare Support (EWS) Squadron.
Known as 414 Combat Support Squadron when it was last disbanded in 2002, 414 (EWS) Squadron will provide electronic warfare support to Canadian Forces combat training. The re-formation of 414 (EWS) Squadron is a clear illustration of the Air Force’s ongoing transformation initiatives to ensure an Air Force that is effective, efficient and relevant.
“I am very happy to see the rebirth of 414 Squadron,” said Maj.-Gen. Duval. “The role of electronic warfare training is extremely important in ensuring that our troops are prepared to fight in today’s modern battlespace.”
The re-activation of 414 (EWS) Squadron as an independent flying unit reporting to the commander of 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec will result in a definite improvement in the way the Air Force delivers electronic warfare support.
Nicknamed “Black Knight” Squadron, 414 (EWS) Squadron traces its origins to the Second World War when it existed as a Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron and flew throughout Europe. The Squadron received eight Battle Honours for its wartime service before being disbanded in 1945. It has existed in various forms since that time, and was last disbanded in 2002.
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Note to Editors:
For further information, contact the DND/CF Media Liaison Office at 613-996-2353 or 1-866-377-0811.
For more information about the history and heritage of 414 Squadron, see the backgrounder entitled “414 Electronic Warfare Support Squadron: History and Heritage” dated January 20, 2009 in the Newsroom at www.forces.gc.ca.
