408 "Goose"
Squadron
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408 "Goose"
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I had the great fortune of spending time at the home of the Goose,
Canada's 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based in Edmonton, Alberta. Here are some photographs of the last [representative] Kiowa to fly for the Canadian Air Force. The artwork on bird 204 (Which, incidentally, I flew in - see the Kiowa Page) was all done by one of 408's airframe technicians. You can read about the 'Last of the Kiowas' in an article by Captain (Now 'Major') R.M. 'Eddie' Haskins, a flight commander at 408 at the time of the last flight. Published April 1995 in Roundel Volume 2 #7 By Capt Eddie Haskins 31 March 1995 marked the final flight of the CH-136 Kiowa at CFB Edmonton's 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. Nicknamed the ‘Goose’ Squadron during the Second World War, the squadron has flown CH-136 Kiowas in Edmonton since 1972. The Kiowa’s main role is reconnaissance support to Land Force units. It also provides communications support, and is an observation platform for Forward Air Controllers (FACs) , Attack Helicopter scouts, and Artillery Observation Posts. To mark the occasion, Cpl Les Hayes, a safety systems technician at 408 Squadron, designed this intricate commemorative paint scheme for aircraft 136204. In addition to two Canada Geese in flight, the paint scheme incorporates the Combat Arms tri-colour on the nose, marking the dissolution of the Observer Trade specialty. The Observer, a combat arms senior NCO posted to Tactical Helicopter Squadrons, provides critical tactical expertise as a member of the Light Observation Helicopter crew. Also featured in the design are dates of service of the Kiowa in 408 livery (1972-1995) and the Squadron motto, "For Freedom"; in addition, Allied invasion marking circling the tail-boom recall the Squadron’s participation during VE-Day, fifty years ago, and the letters EQ commemorate the unit’s WWII tail-code. Finally, 408 Squadron and 10 Tactical Air Group badges straddle the national flag on the vertical stabilizer. Cpl Hayes, the artist, original completed a water colour draft of the design, which he then presented for approval. Following approval of the design, MCpl Gerry Gendron, and Cpl Dave Robb, both refinisher technicians, began their work in earnest, dedicating two months of their spare time to assist Cpl Hayes in completing the project. Cpl Hayes completed the mural using an airbrush, while MCpl Gendron and Cpl Robb laboured at the custom decals and the lettering. A number of other Squadron members pitched in where they could, making the whole effort a real team affair. Cpl Hayes, who does airbrush work on vehicles as ah obby, said that "A project of this size was the chance of a lifetime." He added that while "Working with the nine colours in both enamel and lacquer paints was a lot fo work, it was fun to do!" Unfortunately, he was unable to witness the final flight of 136204, due to his deployument to Haiti on Op Pivot, early in March. On 17 February 1995 the commemorative bird was rolled out of the roost and unveiled by Bgen Ray Henault, Commander 10 Tactical Air Group. It them led a farewell four-ship formation over the City of Edmonton to Commemorate the Kiowa’s retirement from service in Western Canada. |
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© 2001 The RotorHead |
at 800 x 600 resolution http://www.rotorhead.org File: /military/408.asp |
Last change: 4/9/2007 |