CSA astronaut Colonel Joshua Kutryk marks 100 years of the RCAF

Uploaded on March 28, 2024

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CSA astronaut Colonel Joshua Kutryk marks 100 years of the RCAF

2024-03-28 — As a former CF-18 pilot and an active member of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Canadian Space Agency astronaut Colonel Joshua Kutryk expresses his gratitude to former and current service members and their families on the centennial of the RCAF. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency)

Joshua Kutryk: Hello everyone. I’m Colonel Joshua Kutryk, an astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency and an active member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

I grew up dreaming about flying – both in the air but also in space. I started flying airplanes as a teenager and when I was 18, I joined the Air Force as a student at the Royal Military College of Canada. I am grateful for my career in the air force. It has been full of challenge, adventure and unique experiences across Canada and also around the world.

The heart of the Royal Canadian Air Force has always been its people. “Your Air Force” is made up of dedicated personnel and their families who are accomplishing great things in Canada and around the world each and every day. For me, it has been a privilege to serve our country with such amazing Canadians.  

Today, as we commemorate and celebrate its 100 years of distinguished history, I want to honour those who have and who continue to serve our country, Canada. I also look forward to an exciting future for the RCAF, one that encompasses both aviation and also outer space. 

I am preparing and training to fly to the International Space Station aboard the Starliner-1 mission. The skills and the knowledge that I have acquired while being a fighter pilot and a test pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force have contributed greatly to me being here today. 

I am proud to represent the Royal Canadian Air Force, our Air force, the Canadian Space Agency and all of Canada as we build on our past history while pushing the boundaries of exploration and service into the future.

Ad Astra.

Thank you.

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