1 Canadian Air Division
1 Canadian Air Division (1 CAD) is the operational headquarters for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). It is organized and equipped to provide air power and personnel that are ready for rapid deployment on domestic and international operations.
Caption
1 CAD headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Caption
1 CAD Headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on November 7, 2025.
Photo: Warrant Officer Malcolm Byers, 1 CAD
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About 1 CAD
1 CAD is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Commander of 1 CAD also serves as Commander of Canadian NORAD Region (CANR), Joint Force Air Component (JFAC) Commander, and Commander of Search and Rescue Region Trenton. Together, this includes operational command and control of RCAF assets, maintaining RCAF readiness, and the overall authority for Operational Airworthiness.
1 CAD oversees all air power support for domestic and international missions (except for 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron which is part of Canadian Special Operations Forces Command). It includes 11 Wings strategically located across Canada and a diverse fleet of aircraft. 1 CAD also manages an array of command, control, aerospace warning and control, communications and intelligence systems.
Wings reporting to 1 CAD
| Name | City | Province | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Wing | Kingston | Ontario | CH-146 Griffon, CH-147F Chinook |
| 2 Wing | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying (expeditionary wing) |
| 3 Wing | Bagotville | Quebec | CF-188 Hornet, CH-146 Griffon |
| 4 Wing | Cold Lake | Alberta | CF-188 Hornet, CH-146 Griffon |
| 5 Wing | Goose Bay | Newfoundland and Labrador | CH-146 Griffon |
| 8 Wing | Trenton | Ontario | CC-130J Hercules, CC-138 Twin Otter, CC-144 Challenger, CC-150 Polaris, CC-177 Globemaster III, CH-146 Griffon |
| 9 Wing | Gander | Newfoundland and Labrador | CH-149 Cormorant |
| 12 Wing | Shearwater | Nova Scotia | CH-148 Cyclone |
| 14 Wing | Greenwood | Nova Scotia | CP-140 Aurora, CC-130H Hercules, CH-149 Cormorant, CC-295 Kingfisher |
| 19 Wing | Comox | British Columbia | CP-140 Aurora, CC-130H Hercules, CH-149 Cormorant, CC-295 Kingfisher |
| 22 Wing | North Bay | Ontario | Non-flying (surveillance for aerospace defence) |
Also reporting to Commander of 1 CAD/CANR/JFAC:
- Combined Aerospace Operations Centre
- Detachment 2, First Air Force (United States Air Force)
- Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron
- 1 Canadian Air Division Air Reserve Flight
Command Team
Commander
Major-General Chris A. McKenna, OMM, MSC, MSM, CD
Chief Warrant Officer
Chief Warrant Officer
Dipen A. Mistry, MMM, CD
Honorary Colonel Don Boitson
An Honorary Colonel is a respected civilian between the Royal Canadian Air Force and the public, promoting awareness, supporting personnel and families, and enhancing the Air Force’s presence in Canadian communities through ceremonial and advocacy roles.
Crest and motto
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA "Through adversity to the stars"
Argent in front of a representation of a terrestrial globe Azure the continents Argent an eagle volant affronté the head to the dexter Or holding between the talons three maple leaves conjoined on one stem Gules.
