CFB Moose Jaw (Air Vice Marshal C.M. McEwen Airport)

Summary

Operating Country 🇨🇦 Canada
Location 🇨🇦 Canada
Status Active
UsageMilitary only
Year built1928
Operating OrganizationRoyal Canadian Air Force
Units
  • 15 Wing
  • 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School
  • 431 Air Demonstration Squadron (Snowbirds)
  • 15 Operations Support Squadron

Description

15 Wing Moose Jaw, also designated Air Vice-Marshal C.M. McEwen Airport, is located four nautical miles south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The site originated as a civilian aerodrome in 1928. The Government of Canada acquired the property in 1940 and commissioned RCAF Station Moose Jaw in 1941 to support the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. During World War II, the base hosted the Royal Air Force No. 32 Service Flying Training School, which utilized Harvard and Oxford aircraft to train personnel from multiple allied nations. The facility was decommissioned in 1946 and returned to civilian use until its reactivation in 1953 to support Cold War pilot training for the RCAF and NATO. Following the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, the installation was renamed Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw. It was designated 15 Wing in the late 1990s.

The base is operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force and functions as a center for pilot training. It hosts 15 Wing/NFTC Headquarters and 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, which facilitates the NATO Flying Training in Canada program. The base is also the home of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, the Snowbirds. Resident units include 15 Operations Support Squadron, the 15 Wing Air Reserve Flight, and 14 Military Police Flight. Lodger units include 23 Canadian Forces Health Services Centre, 1 Dental Unit, and a detachment of the Real Property Operations Unit-West.

Infrastructure at 15 Wing Moose Jaw supports the operation of CT-114 Tutor and CT-156 Harvard II aircraft. The aerodrome is a designated airport of entry, with Canada Border Services Agency staff providing customs services restricted to 15 Wing aircraft. Maintenance and facility services are provided by contractors including CAE, ATCO Frontec, and Serco. The wing also has functional responsibility for 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Southport, Manitoba. Historical operations included a Base Rescue Flight equipped with CH-118 Huey helicopters, which was active from 1970 until 1993.

Location & Details

Map of CFB Moose Jaw
Coordinates50.3303°N, -105.5592°E
Elevation577 m (1,893 ft)
IATA codeYMJ
ICAO codeCYMJ
Runways
  • 03/21 [asphalt]
  • 11L/29R [asphalt]
  • 11R/29L [asphalt]
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 19 January 2026