The primary role of 442 Squadron is the provision of aviation resources in support of the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) in the Victoria Search and Rescue Region.

This region consists of approximately 920,000 square kilometers of mainly mountainous terrain of Yukon and British Columbia and 560,000 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean extending to approximately 600 nautical miles offshore including over 27,000 kilometers of rugged British Columbia coastline. The rugged and often inaccessible terrain, severe weather, and large expanses of sparsely populated areas make the Victoria SRR the most demanding region in the country. To this end, 442 Squadron maintains one Buffalo Aircraft and one Cormorant helicopter on continuous standby at 19 Wing.

While approximately 80 of the Squadron's strength of 200 are aircrew trades, including pilots, navigators, flight engineers, search & rescue technicians (SAR Techs) and Administration Staff, the majority, or some 120, are maintenance personnel, charged with keeping the fleet of eleven Aircraft at peak operational readiness.

On occasions when major search operations dictate the establishment of a forward operating base somewhere in the province, 442's maintenance personnel will deploy with the aircrew, providing servicing and repairs to Aircraft on site.

442 Squadron Badge

442 Squadron Badge

Designed and approved in 1957, 442 Squadron's badge is indicative of the Unit's long association with British Columbia. The central device is HAIETLIK, the Lightning Snake of Nootka Indian Legend.

According to Nootka folklore, the Lightning Snakes were dispatched by the Thunderbirds to kill whales as a source of food. Once a whale was sighted, HAIETLIK attacked. Its head as sharp as a knife, with a tongue which shot bolts of fire, HAIETLIK was able to inflict injuries sufficient to permit the whale to be carried off as prey.

442 Squadron Motto

The Squadron's motto: "UN DIEU, UNE REINE, UN COEUR" (One God, One Queen, One Heart), is particularly appropriate in light of the present day role of 442 in Search and Rescue and Mercy Flights.

442 Squadron Aircraft

CC115 Buffalo
CH-149 Cormorant

442 Squadron Presentation

"That Other's May Live" (PPT)