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DND/CF > Air Force > 8 Wing Trenton > 8 Wing Squadrons > 8 ACCS - General Information

General Information

8 Air Communication and Control Squadron8 Air Communication and Control Squadron (8 ACCS) is a high readiness, self-sustainable unit capable of deploying worldwide by air, land or sea. Its primary mission is to support Canadian air operations through the provision of a network enabled, controlled airfield, regardless of environmental conditions. To achieve this, the Squadron is divided into an Air Traffic Services (ATS) detachment, two Communication and Information Services (CIS) detachments and contingency teams . These detachments can deploy separately or together based on requirement, with an airfield generally comprising one ATS and CIS collocated.

8 ACCS personnel deploy globally as detachments and contingency teams in support of:

  • Time of tension and war (TTW);
  • Joint Military operations and exercises;
  • UN/peacekeeping;
  • Assistance to civil authorities;
  • Special operations; and
  • Back-up to fixed airfield installations

Capable of sustaining 24/7 operations in a low threat environment, ATS and CIS Detachments can deploy within 72 hours and a Contingency Team within as little as 8 hours for up to 8 weeks, without augmentation. Concurrent deployments of one ATS Detachment, two CIS Detachments and one Contingency Team to single or multiple missions can also be supported.

8 ACCS8 ACCS is equipped with a variety of state-of-the-art deployable equipment including, but not limited to: radars, radios, navigation aids, control towers, airfield lighting, phones, computer networks, satellite ground terminals, mobile and transportable operation shelters, and tenting.

The men and women of 8 ACCS, better known as the "Gypsies", are pleased to call 8 Wing home since 1969 and take pride in being the vanguard for Canadian Forces deployed air operations maintaining the Squadron's vision of "Deployed Excellence Through Teamwork".

 

Badge

Squadron Badge
The Arctic Tern, which migrates worldwide from the Arctic to and from the Antarctic, signifies the worldwide mobility of the Squadron. Its landing flight profile through the lightning bolts from the light blue background signifies the Squadron's responsibility to provide landing aids and communications anywhere in the world in support of air force operations. The reddish orange bill and legs of the predominantly light body of the Tern signify the international colours for airfield navigation and communications systems.

The Arctic Tern's flight profile is adapted from the classic painting by John James Audubon.

Motto

SHOWING THE WAY

Honours and Awards

  • 1972 - MND Commendation - Opening of Churchill Falls Generating Station
  • 1977 - Air Command Commander's Commendation - 1976 Olympic Games
  • 1990 - Air Transport Group Commander's Commendation - Manitoba and Quebec forest fires
  • 1991 - Military Air Traffic Control Association - 30 years of outstanding contribution to Air Traffic Control
  • 992 - RCAFA "Air Marshall WA Bishop Memorial Trophy" - vital and significant performance during the rescue of BOXTOP 322 in Alert, NWT
  • 1995 - Air Transport Group Commander's Commendation - Operation LANCE, Rwanda
  • 1996 - Air Command Commander's Commendation - OP CAULDRON Haiti
  • 1997 - Air Command Combat Airspace Management - Manitoba Flood