CFB Comox

Canadian Forces Base Comox, also designated as 19 Wing, is situated on Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley, British Columbia. The Royal Air Force established the airfield in 1942 to defend against naval threats in the Pacific. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) took control in 1943, utilizing the facility for transport aircraft training. After being mothballed in 1946, the base was reactivated in 1952 to support Cold War and Korean War operations. Historical units include the 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron and the 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, which operated aircraft types such as the Avro Lancaster, Canadair CP-107 Argus, and McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo. Between 1954 and 1958, the base also hosted a Pinetree Line radar early-warning station.

The base is currently operated by the RCAF as an air defence installation on Canada's Pacific coast. It serves as the home base for 19 Wing, which conducts maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue (SAR) operations. Stationed units include the 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron, which operates the Lockheed CP-140 Aurora, and the 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, which operates the CC-295 Kingfisher and AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant. The 418 Search and Rescue Operational Training Squadron also uses the CC-295 Kingfisher for aircrew instruction. Additionally, the base functions as a forward operating base for deployments of the McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet.

Infrastructure at CFB Comox includes the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue, the 19 Air Maintenance Squadron, and the Comox Air Force Museum. An annex, Goose Spit, supports naval training for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and houses the Canadian Forces Sail Association. The airfield is shared with the civilian Comox Valley Airport, which maintains a passenger terminal and customs area. Technical facilities support the operation and maintenance of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, including the CP-140 Aurora, CH-149 Cormorant, and CC-295 Kingfisher.