Background

1 April 1993 will not only mark the 69th Anniversary of the Air Force, but also introduce a new chapter in the evolution of Canada’s rich and proud history of military aviation, as the Air Force transitions Air Command Bases into a Wing structure.

Canada’s military aviation first established Wing organizational structures and nomenclature in World War I, with the formation of No. 1 Canadian Wing Royal Air Force in 1918. Along with Commands, Groups, Squadrons and Flights, Canadian Wings were patterned upon the Royal Air Force model. World War II saw the formation of RCAF Wings such as No. 127 (Fighter) Wing where the renowned Wing Commander Johnny Johnson was the first Commanding Officer. Post World War II, new Wings were again established, both overseas as Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) NATO Wings, and in Canada. The RCAF structure, Wings included, disappeared with integration in 1968. The Canadian Armed Forces adopted a new organization structured on the Base Concept.

THE PROBLEM

Within the integrated force structure, the Base organization, with its emphasis on support, did not convey the operational character of an Air Base and the Air Force team. Therefore, Air Command has undertaken the creation of an Air Force organization that is more consistent with its doctrinal aim, its missions, and its tasks than is currently the case. Foremost, the Base Concept did not recognize that an Air Force Base exists to conduct air operations; whereas, the Army and Navy usually operate away from home Base, Air Force operations are normally launched from, conducted and recovered to a home Base. While the support role of a Base remains important, the “raison d’étre” of an Air Base is the conduct of air operations.

The current philosophy confines the role of a Base Commander to that of providing support; thereby, placing him outside the operational chain of command. This results in command and control confusion as operational units on an Air Base may report to a different Group Headquarters.

The present situation, with organizational separation between operational units, and Bases, runs counter to the objective of matching authority, responsibility and accountability in the chain of command. This separation between operations and support creates a distorted view of the Air Force operations team. The Wing structure institutionalizes the doctrinal tenet, that support is an integral part of an operational formation.

Finally, and perhaps most visibly, Base nomenclature does not reflect the operational character of an Air Force installation and the Air Force team concept.

THE WING CONCEPT

CFB Winnipeg	17 Wing Winnipeg
Branch (Ex: B Admin O)	Branch (Ex: 17 W Admin Branch)
Section (Ex: B Pers Admin)	Squadron (Ex: 17 Pers Admin Sqn)
Sub Section (Ex: B Trg)	Flight (Ex: 17 Ground Trg Flt)

Four main changes will redress these organizational and doctrinal deficiencies. The first, places the Commander of an Air Force Base clearly in the operational chain of command. The second, reduces his span of control. Thirdly, Wing nomenclature is introduced and finally, some internal organizational changes are made.

The fundamental question is, “How does this affect me?” For the majority, the change will be transparent except for titles or reporting lines. Table 1 gives you an idea of the multiple name changes that will occur.

Perhaps the reorganization can be more readily understood by examining a generic Wing. Each Air Command Base will be additionally designated as a Wing, and all elements on the Base will be assigned to that Wing, with the Wing Commander exercising authority over the Wing and the Base. The role of the Wing will be to conduct flying operations and/or training; whereas, within the Wing, the Base will continue to provide support as before. The organization will consist of four principal Wing officers: the Wing Operations Officer, the Wing Logistics Officer, the Wing Administrative Officer and the Wing Comptroller.

An important facet of the Wing structure is that the traditional support role of the Base, including regional support to other agencies, does not change.

17 WING WINNIPEG

17 Wing Winnipeg Structure

– CFANS – CFSAS – CFS – CFS MET – 3 CFFTS – 402 Sqn – AirCom Band – CFS Flin Flon – 17 ARAF – CFB Winnipeg

The history of 17 Wing Winnipeg goes back a number of years. It was initially formed as RCAF (Reserve) Wing Winnipeg on 1 October 1950 to administer and control 402 Squadron. On 1 August 1951, it was redesignated 17 (Reserve) Wing, then 17 (Auxiliary) Wing on 1 September 1951. On 1 February 1968, it became integrated into the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve as 17 Air Reserve Wing. In November 1968, following the unification of the Canadian Forces, CFB Winnipeg was formed by combining the Fort Osborne Army Barracks and RCAF Station Winnipeg. On 1 April 1993, CFB Winnipeg will become, once again, 17 Wing Winnipeg.

For 17 Wing Winnipeg, two major changes will occur. Firstly, Base Food Services will be moved from the Base Personnel Services Section, and placed under the auspices of the Wing Logistics Officer (formally called Base Technical Services Officer). Secondly, the Base Air Maintenance Engineering Section (BAMEO) will become 402 Squadron Air Maintenance Engineering Flight (GAMEO), but will still be responsible for the maintenance of the Wing’s aircraft. The Aircraft Maintenance Flight will employ both Regular and Primary Reserve personnel, or if you prefer, the perfect model of a Total Force unit.

CONCLUSION

The Wing structure takes the best from the past, and combines it with the best of the present; the Wing structure places the principal focus on air operations, while retaining the support role for lodger units; inserts the Commander of an Air Force installation in the operational chain of command; aligns authority, responsibility and accountability of an Air Commander over operations and support; reflects the operational character of an Air Base; and fosters a clearer understanding of the Air Force team concept within and outside Air Command.

For the first time in over 25 years, we will recognize, and institutionalize, the complete Air Force team, summed up as “one Wing, one Boss, one Family”.