Purpose:

The AFMSA role is to promote, educate and inspire the public, particularly Canada’s youth, about the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) crucial role in safeguarding our nation and supporting global allies. Emphasis is placed on the Air Force establishments in Canada; distinguished Air Force personnel; artifacts related to the history, customs and traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force.  AFMSA achieves these goals by acquiring, restoring, preserving and displaying aircraft and artifacts of historical significance to the RCAF.

Background:

The Museum of the Regiments in Calgary expanded its scope to encompass all three branches of the Canadian military 25 years ago leading to the creation of The Military Museums of Calgary (TMM). Subsequently, the AFMSA was formed as a volunteer organization to raise funds and build on this theme to create a Cold War Exhibit (CWE). The new exhibit opened in 2015 featuring fully restored aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, CF-104 Starfighter and CF-188 Hornet. This exhibit now attracts over 50,000 visitors annually and is supported by over 70 volunteer guides, many of whom are Air Force veterans. Beginning in 2021 the AFMSA board approved a special project to expand the current exhibit to recognize and include the significant role of the RCAF contributions to our national security through the NORAD agreement.  While some delays were experienced through the COVID pandemic years, successful fund-raising efforts during the past five years has allowed the AFMSA to acquire a CT-133 T-Bird, a CF-101 Voodoo, two CF-100 Canuck aircraft, with supporting artifacts and to begin construction on an expanded facility.