442 Squadron CC-115 Buffalo visits Vancouver International Airport from Canadian Forces Base Comox on Vancouver Island in April 1974. The aircraft is parked outside the Canadian Forces' Air Movement Unit (AMU) hangar which was located on the northwest side of runway 26 which was a hangar used by RCAF Sea Island which closed in late 1964 for budgetary reasons. This aircraft was delivered new in May 1970 in camouflage to 429 (Tactical Transport) Squadron. It was converted to SAR configuration and repainted white in the early 1970s and repainted SAR yellow in the early 1980s. Date might be 1975.

December 27,1980 this helicopter was involved in a night rescue mission that saw three crew members awarded the Star of Courage. The helicopter would later be based in Trenton and Greenwood. Stored at CFB Trenton in 2005 until it was sold to Columbia Helicopters in 2008 and stored at Aurora, OR.

Canadian Forces CH-113A Labrador, 11307, parked at the Canadian Coast Guard heliport at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver. This aircraft started life as the first Canadian Army CH-113 Voyageur and became a SAR helicopter when the Canadian Forces acquired eight CH-147 Chinooks in the mid-1970s. All the CH-113 Labradors and Voyageurs went through an upgrade program at Boeing Canada Ltd. of Arnprior, Ontario to expand their SAR capability and increase fleet commonality. The last Labrador was retired in 2004 with the delivery of new AgustaWestland (Leonardo) CH-149 Cormorant SAR helicopters.

This Royal Canadian Air Force Leonardo CH-149 Cormorant, 149908, from Canadian Forces Base Comox is seen here conducting winching practice in the mountains near Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island.

Canadian Armed Forces Boeing-Vertol CH-113A Labrador SAR helicopters operated by 442 Squadron often made mercy flights to Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver in the 1970s and landed on the front lawn of the health care facility on Oak Street. A permanent heliport (CAK7) for for use by BC Ambulance helicopters is now located at what is now know as the Vancouver Children & Women's Health Centre. The aircraft wears a blue, white and red colour scheme which was replaced by an overall yellow colour scheme in the 1980s.

In 2017, 442 Squadron celebrated their 75th anniversary. Buffalo 457 carries 75th anniversary markings on the engine and, from the Squadron crest, the Haietlik, the Lightning Snake of Nootka First Nation Legend on the tail.

Entered service in 1971 as a Canadian Army Voyageur, serial 10418. Converted to SAR configuration in 1975 then renamed Labrador in 1982/83 and here with the seahorse tail badge of 442 Sqn at CFB Comox. It was retired with the rest of the fleet in 2005.

Comox glacier in the background. Callsign 'Snake'

A very early production Buffalo receiving some TLC in the 442 Sqn hangar.

Great CAF Buffalo taxiing out for take-off.

Taken on strength in Dec 1968, this Buffalo was converted to Search and Rescue configuration in 1975. It is one of the few Buffalo's that continue to soldier on in the same role. It's now carrying the return to RCAF markings plus the 75th anniversary crest of 442 squadron.