The Women of Canadian Detachment Tinker – RCAF’s future leaders
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News Article / March 9, 2021
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Royal Canadian Air Force Public Affairs
“The women of Canadian Detachment Tinker are a spirited, driven, and hard-working group of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who are an integral part of both the Detachment and USAF 552 Air Control Wing’s success,” says Major Angela Hudson, Deputy Commanding Officer.
While women still only make up under 15% of the Canadian Armed Forces, they are also generally underrepresented in flying roles. Canadians have been serving with 3 Air Command & Control Squadron (formerly Detachment 1 NORAD) at Tinker Air Force Base (AFB), located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, since 1979. However, women only started flying on the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) in the mid-1980s.
Today, six women from the Canadian Armed Forces are serving at Tinker AFB with Canadian Element NORAD. They occupy roles on the aircraft including Mission Crew Commander, Mission Systems Operator, Datalink Operator, Air Battle Manager, and Section Lead. The team of women also includes the Chief Clerk within the headquarters, who provides critical administrative support to the detachment and its families.
Together, these women have a combined 2000 hours aboard the E-3, including over 1300 combat and combat support hours in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, and Counter-Drug Operations with Joint Interagency Task Force-South. They hold a range of ranks and positions within the Detachment, with most being fully integrated within their host USAF squadrons.
“Outside of work they are dog lovers, crocheters, gamers, sports enthusiasts, adventurers, travelers, cake decorators, moms, friends, daughters, and sisters,” Major Hudson says. “To the CAF, they are the future leaders who will continue to shape and change the face of the organization for the better, paving the way for future generations of women.”