Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams met with Colonel Leighton James, 8 Wing Commander, on Tuesday as the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrates its 100th anniversary.
They discussed the big year ahead at CFB Trenton, celebrating the men and women who currently serve and those who have served our country, noting CFB Trenton itself is 95 years old.
MP Williams said, “We so fortunate to have 8 Wing/CFB Trenton in our community. It is a major economic employer – employing over 4500 service personnel and contract workers.” MP Williams went on to say, “CFB Trenton has such a rich history in our community. It was built in the Great Depression as a relief project, and it became the centre for the RCAF’s sea and land operations and training in the ‘30s. Later it became the hub of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War.” MP Williams stated, “8 Wing is Canada’s busiest air base and with the Skyhawks, Search and Rescue Squadron, the Transport Squadrons, the Cadet Training Program, the National Air Force Museum – the impact 8 Wing has on our community is immeasurable. Then consider the CC-177 Globemasters and CC-130J Hercules based at 8 Wing and the humanitarian work they have done; the impact is felt around the world. Canadians can then see the history of the air force at the National Air Force Museum in Trenton. The museum has been a staple in our region for over 40 years.”
He added the Quinte International Air Show June 29 and 30 will be the perfect way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
