 434 Operational Training Squadron formed at CFB Cold Lake as the Canadair CF-5 operational training unit on 15 February 1968.The squadron later gave up OTU duties to 419 Squadron and became an operational squadron, moving to CFB Bagotville on 15 July 1982 later moving to CFB Chatham in July 1985.The unit became 434 Composite Squadron and reformed at CFB Shearwater on 4 July 1992.