3 Wing Bagotville/
CFB Bagotville
Generates combat ready, multi role fighter aircraft to defend Canada, support continental defence, and contribute to international operations, while supporting domestic response and search and rescue missions.
Caption
3 Wing during a training exercise in the North.
Caption
3 Wing flight over Saguenay Fjord.
Caption
3 Wing during Exercise Cougar South in March 2024 in Arizona.
Caption
Three CH-146 Griffons from 439 Combat Support Squadron.
Caption
439 Combat Support Squadron during a flyover of the Saguenay Fjord to mark the RCAF's 100th anniversary.
Caption
CF-188 pilot waves from inside the cockpit.
Caption
3 Wing during Exercise Alouette Mobile in March 2025 in Florida.
Caption
3 Wing during an Operation in Alaska in May 2025.
Caption
439 Combat Support Squadron during Exercise Eastern Breeze.
Jump to section
About
3 Wing is located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville in Bagotville, Quebec. It is under the operational command of 1 Canadian Air Division. The Commander of 3 Wing is also Commander of CFB Bagotville and is responsible for all base administrative, operational, and logistical support. The motto of CFB Bagotville is “Defend the Saguenay.”
3 Wing/CFB Bagotville protects Canada and Canadians, defends North America, and promotes peace and international security. It is one of two fighter aircraft units in Canada and will be one of two main operating bases for Canada’s future fighter aircraft through the Future Fighter Capability Project.
Squadrons
| Name | City | Province | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | CF-188 Hornet |
| 433 Tactical Fighter Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | CF-188 Hornet |
| 439 Domestic Response Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | CH-146 Griffon |
| 3 Air Maintenance Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying |
| 12 Radar Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying |
| 3 Mission Support Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying |
| 3 Operations Support Squadron | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying |
| 3 Wing Air Reserve Flight | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying |
| Forward Operating Location Iqaluit | Bagotville | Quebec | Non-flying |
Lodger units
Command Team
Commander
Colonel
Phillip Rennison, CD
Chief Warrant Officer
Chief Warrant Officer
Mario Huard
Aircraft
Equipment
Badge and motto
AGMAN PRIMUM LIBERTATIS (Vanguard of liberty)
The eagle symbolizes the strength, swiftness, and fighting spirit of the unit. The three maple leaves relate to the unit’s name.
Honorary Colonel Luc Boivin
An Honorary Colonel is a distinguished civilian appointed by the Minister of National Defence to strengthen relationships with local, professional, and civic communities. The role is honorary and advisory in nature, providing support to the local Commander through engagement in ceremonial functions, advocacy, and the promotion of RCAF traditions, while contributing to the well-being of military personnel and their families.
History
The Bagotville Station was built in July 1942 to provide a training base for pilots and protect the Alcan and hydro-electric facilities in the area during World War II. Read more about the history of 3 Wing/CFB Bagotville.
Related links
Contact
3 Wing/CFB Bagotville Headquarters
PO Box 5000 Station Bureau-Chef
Alouette QC G0V 1A0
Public Affairs
Phone: (418) 677-4000 ext 4145
Email: 3Ere.Bagotville.3Wing@forces.gc.ca
Flying a drone
Civilian drone operations within 3 nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) of an aerodrome under the authority of the Department of National Defence (MND) requires pre-authorization. For more information about these zones and how to properly access them, please consult the National Research Council of Canada Drone Site Selection tool and section 3.2.35 of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft chapter of Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Civilian drone operators with the required licence and registered drone who are seeking to fly within a Wing aerodrome must contact the Wing in advance for approval.
