New Chinook building named in honour of First World War hero

News Release

Garrison Petawawa announces Chinook building to be named in honour of Ontario First World War flying ace Major Andrew McKeever

June 26, 2015 – Petawawa, ON – Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

The home to Canada’s new CH-147F Chinook fleet will honour Canadian First World War flying ace Major Andrew McKeever.

MP Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, on behalf of the Minister of National Defence, made the announcement today, the ninety-eighth anniversary (June 26, 1917) of McKeever’s first two aerial victories. McKeever went on to be awarded the Military Cross for his total of 17 confirmed aerial victories on the Western front in support of the allies in the First World War.

Quick Facts

On September 17, 1917 Major McKeever was awarded the Military Cross for his 17 confirmed aerial victories. A month later he received a bar to his Military Cross.
As part of its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government of Canada invested in infrastructure to support the new Chinook F-model helicopters. Infrastructure investments include a new hangar, a new ramp, new utility services (such as water, sewer, electrical lines, etc.), a refueling facility, and a fenced-in parking area.
The building named today was constructed by EllisDon Corporation of Ottawa with an original contract valued at $134.8 million. The 50,000 m2 building will house the new Chinook helicopters and 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron at Garrison Petawawa.
Canada’s 15th and final CH-147F Chinook helicopter arrived in Canada in July 2014. The purchase of 15 Chinook aircraft dramatically increases the Canadian Armed Forces ability to respond effectively to needs across Canada and abroad. The Canadian CH-147F Chinook represents a new capability for the Canadian Armed Forces that will enhance its ability to operate in remote and isolated areas, and increase its capacity to respond to a wide variety of emergencies across the continent, such as fires, floods, and earthquakes.
The CH-147F Chinook helicopter is yet another successful procurement. The fleet has already reached Initial Operational Capability and has seen their first deployment when two helicopters were sent to Kapuskasing as a response to the floods in April 2015.
450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, located at Garrison Petawawa, Ontario, has been re-established as the home for this new fleet and will employ approximately 400 military personnel by 2016.

Quotes

“Major McKeever was the epitome of what it means to serve one’s country, with an impressive 17 aerial victories to his name in the First World War. It is a fitting tribute to McKeever’s service to name the home of our new Chinook fleet after him. This fleet is yet another successful military procurement that will help the Royal Canadian Air Force be more mobile and flexible in protecting Canadians and Canadian interests at home and abroad.”
- Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“Major Andrew McKeever is the embodiment of courage and perseverance. His actions during the First World War have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration for generations of Canadian airmen and airwomen to come. As a Canadian aviation hero, it is fitting that this hangar carries his name.”
- Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke

“We are pleased to be able to have descendants of Maj Andrew McKeever here with us today as we dedicate this hangar in his name. The tradition of naming buildings after soldiers, sailors and aviators in the Canadian Armed Forces is well established and provides us with a link to our roots and history, one that will be a reminder to every member of this squadron as they pass through those front doors.”
- Lieutenant-Colonel Chris McKenna, Commanding Officer of 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron

Related Products

For more comprehensive information, consult the Backgrounder at:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-equipment/medium-heavy-lift-helicopter.page?

Associated Links

For more information on technical specifications and imagery, visit the RCAF webpage at:
http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/ch-147f.page

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Contacts

Lauren Armstrong
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
lauren.armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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New Chinook building named in honour of First World War hero

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