Inside Hangar 16: A Hub of Airlift, Training, and Operational Readiness at 17 Wing

When you walk past Hangar 16 at 17 Wing Winnipeg, you might not realize the sheer scale of what happens within its walls. This large, unassuming structure is home to some of the most dynamic and operationally vital teams in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), including 435 “Chinthe” Transport and Rescue Squadron, 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron, 17 Wing Operational Support Squadron (17 OSS), and 17 Wing Imaging.

Together, they form a powerhouse of mobility, training, operations, and visual support — each with a distinct role, but united by a shared commitment to supporting the RCAF at home and abroad.

435 “Chinthe” Transport and Rescue Squadron: Canada’s Air Mobility Lifeline

Nicknamed the “Chinthe,” 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron (435 Sqn) is a lodger unit from 19 Wing Comox and a valued, integrated part of the 17 Wing community. Based at CFB Winnipeg since 1994, 435 Sqn is the RCAF’s only provider of tactical air-to-air refuelling for Canada’s CF-18 fighter aircraft. Operating the CC-130H Hercules, 435 Sqn plays a vital role in supporting NORAD missions and exercises, ensuring Hornets stay airborne during critical operations.

But their mission goes far beyond refuelling. 435 also provides 24/7 search and rescue coverage for the vast Trenton Search and Rescue Region — a territory stretching from Quebec City to Alberta’s border and from the U.S. to the North Pole. In addition, the squadron also supports domestic and continental operations like Operation LENTUS, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) response to natural disasters in Canada, with the most recent being support to emergency evacuations from northern Manitoba and Ontario that were threatened by wildfires.

Whether locating a missing aircraft or delivering supplies to remote Arctic locations like CFS Alert, 435 Squadron lives up to its motto: Certi Provehendi — Determined to Deliver.

402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron: Where RCAF Aircrew Begin

Just across the hangar, 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron (402 Sqn) delivers world-class training for Air Combat Systems Officers (ACSOs) and Airborne Electronic Sensor Operators (AES Ops), preparing them for frontline operations.

Flying their distinctive CT-142 Dash-8 aircraft — affectionately known as “Gonzo” for its long blue nose — 402 Sqn trains Canadian and allied aircrew in advanced mission planning, navigation, and tactical coordination. Students gain hands-on experience through high-fidelity simulators and real-world flights, preparing them for missions ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to search and rescue.

As a total force unit composed of Regular and Reserve members, 402 Sqn also supports transiting military aircraft through maintenance and ground operations, reinforcing its reputation as a key enabler of RCAF airpower.

17 Wing Operations Support Squadron: The Wing’s Nerve Centre

Behind every flight, mission, and exercise is 17 Operational Support Squadron (17 OSS). This team serves as the central coordination hub for operational activity across the Wing’s area of responsibility.

Whether managing NORAD alerts, contingency planning, or daily training flights, 17 OSS ensures that 17 Wing maintains its operational edge. Their mission priorities align with the Wing’s focus: supporting domestic operations, enabling readiness, and safeguarding the well-being of Defence Team members.

17 Wing Imaging: Eyes in the Sky — and on the Ground

Tucked inside Hangar 16 is one of the Wing’s most creative capabilities: 17 Wing Imaging. This team provides high-resolution photography and video support for a wide range of needs, from flight safety investigations and operational missions to public affairs and training documentation.

Wing Imaging continues to innovate, using cutting-edge tools like WISEGUY — their Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) — to capture high-quality aerial imagery that enhances situational awareness and operational analysis. WISEGUY also boosts production value for public affairs products, adding dynamic footage to videos and campaigns.

The team also delivers professional-grade, multi-camera livestreaming support for high-profile events, ensuring that key moments at the Wing are captured and shared with precision and style.

A Building of Operational Excellence

Hangar 16 is more than just a structure — it’s a vital ecosystem of expertise that helps keep Canada safe, trains the next generation of aircrew, and ensures missions launch smoothly and successfully.

For anyone newly posted to 17 Wing — or new to the RCAF — Hangar 16 represents the heart of air mobility and operational support: a place where airlift meets innovation, and where mission readiness isn’t just a goal — it’s a way of life.