Canadian Forces Base (9 Wing) Gander - Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
N 48° 56.660 W 054° 34.910
21U E 677060 N 5424085
9 Wing Gander was established in 1935. Once Canada went to war in 1939 it grew in importance. At one point, Winston Churchill referred to it as "the largest aircraft carrier in the North Atlantic".
Waymark Code: WM1102Q
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Date Posted: 07/21/2019
Views: 3
Canada Forces Base Gander was established in 1935 as part of a global network of airfields conceived at imperial conferences. Once Canada went to war with Britain and other Allies in 1939 it grew in importance. At one point, Winston Churchill referred to Gander as "the largest aircraft carrier in the North Atlantic." It was home to many squadrons during the Second World War. It also had one of the first radar units on this side of the Atlantic.
According to (
visit link) the Base demobilized in 1945, but the airport continued as an important commercial stopping point on the transatlantic route. Canadian Forces Station Gander 226 Aircraft and Warning Squadron (226 AC&W) began operations on 21 February 1954.
In 1970, a new signals intelligence facility known as the "Turkey Farm" was opened to house 770 Communication Research Squadron and CFS Gander came under the control of Canadian Forces Communication Command.
On 1 April 1993, CFB Gander was renamed 9 Wing Gander. Since coming under the Wing Concept, many organizational changes have taken place.
On 23 June 1997, Prince Phillip presented 103 RU with their colours and the unit was renamed 103 Search and Rescue Squadron. On 3 July 1997, the last American Exchange position departed 770 CRS, ending fifty-six years of American military presence on Newfoundland soil.
Another milestone in Gander’s history was the August 1997 renaming of 770 Communication Research Station to Canadian Forces Station Leitrim Detachment Gander.
Today it is also home to 103 Search and Rescue Squadron. The Squadron is responsible for a massive area, covering the lower Arctic, the Maritimes, Newfoundland and Labrador and all offshore waters in the region.