As the Artemis II mission prepares to take humans back to the Moon and farther into space than ever before, Canadians have a special reason to look to the skies with pride. Among the crew is Canadian Space Agency astronaut Col. Jeremy Hansen, a product of London, Ontario. His CV is an impressive list of military and educational accolades — and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Royal Canadian Air Force aircrew training programs.
A graduate of the Royal Military College, Col. Hansen first received Basic Flying Training at Southport, Manitoba, before moving onto Advanced Flying Training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. These two 15 Wing locations have long stood out as cornerstones of Canada’s aircrew training system, and have played a defining role in producing skilled, disciplined, and adaptable RCAF aircrew.
The Southport base is where Col. Hansen began to build the foundation of his flying career, developing core airmanship skills, procedural discipline, and confidence in the cockpit. At Moose Jaw, his foundation was taken further through Advanced Pilot Training I. Col. Hansen received his wings in 2002 and subsequently spent several years flying as a CF-18 Hornet fighter pilot with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, as well as the Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Operations.
The proud legacy of these two training centres is what the FAcT program is now building upon. FAcT represents the next evolution of RCAF aircrew training, combining modern aircraft, advanced simulation, innovative instructional methods, and an integrated training system designed to meet the operational demands of the future.
The RCAF motto, Sic Itur Ad Astra (such is the pathway to the stars), has guided generations of RCAF graduates, and it is never more fitting than at times like these. Col. Hansen’s story – stretching from the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in 1988, to receiving his RCAF wings in 2002, to his selection for the Artemis II mission in 2023 – is a powerful example of what can be achieved when world-class training meets dedication, talent, and purpose.
Col. Hansen’s journey from the training bases of Southport and Moose Jaw to the Artemis II mission underscores the importance of Canada’s military aircrew training, not only for national defence, but for Canada’s continued leadership and contribution on the global stage.
Col. Hansen’s journey is also a poignant reminder for other students at Southport and Moose Jaw: even the sky isn’t the limit.
As Artemis II prepares for launch, SkyAlyne is proud to wish Astronaut Jeremy Hansen and his crewmates a safe and successful mission. Beginning at home in Canada, his story reflects the very best of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the training systems that support it.
Blue skies and tailwinds, Jeremy — Sic Itur Ad Astra.
We can’t wait to see you with your astronaut wings!
Jeremy Hansen’s Primary Flight Training Course at Southport Manitoba in summer 1997.
Jeremy Hansen’s Harvard II Course at 15 Wing Moose Jaw also included now 1 Canadian Air Division Commander, MGen Christopher McKenna (right), and now 2 Canadian Air Division Commander, BGen Daniel Coutts (left).
Col. Hansen (right) visited 15 Wing for a visit in 2024. He is pictured here along with then 15 Wing Commander, Col. Daniel Coutts (now BGen Coutts, Comd 2CAD).
