415 Squadron Association
CANADA AT FINCASTLE 1980
In 1980, as the Maritime Patrol community was beginning its transition from Argus to Aurora, Crew 5 represented Canada at FINCASTLE. It was the last time an Argus flew in the competition. In Memories of FINCASTLE 1980, Steve Nichol recounts his experience as a member of the competition crew.
Next 415 Sqn Assoc Meeting
1300 Hrs, 18 Apr 24
14 Wing Museum
COLONEL ARTHUR R. NIELSEN, Ret. CA
After enduring complications from severe sepsis, Arthur “Art” Rosmark Nielsen was called home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2023 at the age of 80. Art was born September 13, 1943 to Jorgen and Ingeborg Nielsen in Svendborg, Denmark. The Nielsen family immigrated to Toronto Canada for his dad’s company. Art graduated from Lorne Park High School in 1962. He was selected to attend the Royal Military College, in Kingston Ontario, where he majored in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation, Art was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy. After flight school, he joined the Anti-Submarine Warfare community and flying off the Canadian Aircraft Carrier, Bonaventure. In 1972, he was assigned to an ASW position with the US Navy in Norfolk, VA, where he met the love of his life, Carol Holley. They were married in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba in 1974. To this union two sons were born, Michael and David.
During his 34 years of military service to Canada, Art served as CO of both PFS and VU 33 Squadrons. He also served two tours on 415 Squadron; the first as the Squadron Operations Officer (1983-84) and the second as the 22nd Commanding Officer (1989-91). In 1991, Art was promoted to Colonel and posted to the Joint Staff at NDHQ as Director of Operations Training and NBC Defence. Then in 1994, he assumed the duties of Chief, Exercise Division at NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs. Art and Carol decided to retire to Colorado Springs in 1996.
Art became active in local community service serving on various boards as well as the local branch of the Retired Canadian Air Force Association. In retirement, Carol and Art enjoyed cruising and visiting many “warm” ports of call.
Art is survived by his wife of 49.5 years, his sons Michael (Nicole) of Colorado Springs and David (Keeley) of Phoenix and four grand children: Jackson and Evelyn of Colorado Springs, and Maeve and Kelsey of Phoenix. Art is also survived by his brother, Steffen of Hawaii.
A memorial service and reception were held on January 4, 2024, at 10:30 am, at Forestgate Presbyterian Church, 970 Northgate Blvd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Art’s name to Springs Rescue Mission of Colorado Springs.
The Government of Canada has announced that the CP140 Aurora will be replaced by the P-8A Poseidon. It is expected that a new fleet of 16 aircraft will be fully operational by 2032. The following opinion piece written by Ernie Cable posits that Canada made the right choice when choosing the Boeing P-8A, developed from the BOEING 737-NG (New Generation) airliner.