278 Cormorant Squadron

Squadron History

In 2016, the South Surrey/Newton area was identified as a community that could benefit from an active Air Cadet Squadron. Squadrons in neighbouring districts were maintaining waiting lists, and DND records indicated that Cadets from South Surrey/Newton were travelling to nearby Squadrons to participate in the program.

Capt. Jag Masoun and his team of dedicated CIC Officers and Civilian Instructors — each with prior experience in starting new Squadrons across the Lower Mainland — were assigned to oversee this responsibility. The officers and SSC of 819 Skyhawk RCACS were approached to be the host Squadron for this initiative, and they agreed. Princess Margaret Secondary School at 72 Avenue and 128 Street was secured as the LHQ for the satellite flight, marking the official beginning of 278 Cormorant Squadron. Cadets transferred in from 818 Skyhawk, 907 Black Knights, and 767 Dearman Squadrons to form a satellite flight of 819 Skyhawk Squadron. Recruitment of new Cadets and parents to establish the SSC soon followed.

By the end of 2017, the total number of Cadets on record was approaching 100. A Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) was formed and incorporated, and the application to start a new Squadron was prepared and submitted to BCPC and RCSU Pacific for approval, before being forwarded to the Air Cadet League of Canada and DND in Ottawa. On July 27, 2018, the 278 Cormorant RCACS Charter was signed. The Squadron was officially stood up on November 24, 2018.

The first SSC Chair of 278 Cormorant Squadron was Mr. Simarpal Pabla. His role was pivotal in securing community support, fundraising, and organizational stability during the Squadron's launch in Surrey. Under Mr. Pabla's consistent leadership, the SSC thrived. His contributions were acknowledged by local leaders, including MP Sukh Dhaliwal, who highlighted Mr. Pabla's role at the Squadron's 2024 ACR.

WO1 Gegan Kaur served as the Squadron's first Cadet commander during its inaugural year of parading, during which the Squadron grew to 103 Cadets. WO1 Kaur aged out of the program in 2019.

In June 2023, 278 Cormorant Squadron held its first Change of Command, with Capt. Jag Masoun handing over command to Capt. Amar Tiwana. By October 2023, the Squadron had outgrown its LHQ at Princess Margaret Secondary. To meet community demand for greater access to the program, the Squadron began parading on a second night at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School. In October 2024, the location was moved again to Panorama Ridge Secondary School.

By 2025, Squadron enrolment had ballooned to more than 300 Cadets.

Charter & Change of Command

278 Cormorant Squadron Charter presented to SSC Chair Simarpal Pabla by BCPC Past President Ron Rique in the presence of RCSU (Pac) CO Commander Brad Henderson.

Squadron Banner presented to Squadron CO Capt. Jag Masoun by Hon. Harjit Sajjan MP.

Community Support

The Air Cadets, Squadron Sponsoring Committee, and Squadron Staff of 278 Cormorant Squadron are enormously grateful to the following Surrey community organizations for their support of Surrey's youth:

Surrey Whalley Legion Branch 229 · École Woodward Elementary · Fruiticana – 80th/120 St · Guru Angad Dev Elementary · Gota Mandi Fashion Ltd. · Kam Oak Bakery · Khalsa Bakery · Maharaja Sweets · Mirage Banquet Hall · Panorama Ridge Secondary School · Princess Margaret Secondary School · Select Pizza