The Gordon R. McGregor Memorial Trophy

First presented at the Association’s silver anniversary convention in 1973, the trophy commemorates
the late Gordon R. McGregor, Past Grand President of the Association, in recognition
of his pioneering accomplishments in the field of air transportation in Canada. The
trophy is presented “in recognition of outstanding and meritorious achievement in the field of
air transportation.”
437 (Transport) Squadron, 8 Wing, Trenton, for outstanding achievement in air transportation throughout
2000. Canada’s significant contributions to global stability over the year required 437 Sqn to provide an extraordinary
effort towards deploying personnel and logistics globally. As the primary mover of international airlift
for the Prime Minister and the Governor General, the squadron was required to deliver high caliber, flawlessly
executed airlift to the Middle East, Japan, to conferences in Berlin,Paris, Lisbon, Guatemala and Jamaica. OP
PALLADIUM, carried out twice annually by the squadron, supports rotation of Canadian troops serving in
Bosnia, routinely employing the entire squadron’s resources, when the aircraft are flown literally non-stop with
fresh crews rotating through at stopover points. In March, the squadron provided airlift to Mozambique flood
relief support, followed shortly thereafter expending 80 hours flying time to Australia supporting operations in
East Timor. How did all this happen in a year when the squadron flew the highest yearly flying rate on the A320
Polaris since it entered service with the CF? Squadron personnel, although stretched to the limit many times,
remained focussed as a team and continued to provide high quality reliable airlift over a wide spectrum of ops.
It’s a can-do, operationally professional attitude, exhibited by all members,that made it happen. 437 Squadron
warrants well-deserved praise from our Association.