402 Squadron - Unification

Unification

The squadron's name was changed in 1969 to 402 Air Reserve Squadron based at CFB Winnipeg by that point, a further two Otters had joined the fleet for a total of six. Tragically an Otter was lost in a fatal crash, that claimed the life of, Capt. Jack Reeve, in early summer 1974. The following year the Squadron traded their Otters for CC-129 Dakotas . Initially receiving five out of storage and by 1980 they would be operating nine examples of the venerable Dakota in the light transport, search and rescue operations, support for the Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team, Air Cadet familiarization and VIP transport roles, becoming the last unit in the Canadian Forces to fly the type.