About Comox Valley
Communities
19 Wing Comox |
Since its secret construction in 1942, the Canadian Air Force Base at 19 Wing Comox has been an important part of both the Comox Valley and Western Canada. The Wing is home to 442 Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadron and Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue. The SAR aircrews often launch on more than 200 missions a year and are responsible for an area stretching from the Arctic to the Washington border, and from the Canadian Rockies 1,200 kilometres into the Pacific Ocean.
Keeping these vital missions in the air, and as safe as possible, employs 1,300 military and civilian workers. 19 Wing is home to the second largest runway in the province and is the spring training ground for the famed Snowbirds aerobatic team. The Wing is also home to the Y2K Spitfire restoration project, where dedicated volunteers are working to restore the legendary WWII fighter aircraft to the sky.