During World War II, the base played an expanded role, participating in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).

During that time, they trained more than 130,000 personnel from across Canada ranging from pilots, navigators, observers and wireless operators.

RCAF Station Winnipeg also became an important supply and repair depot and base to ferry and inspect units for the air force.

CFB Winnipeg became home to several transport and utility squadrons, as well as headquarters for Air Command, which was formed in 1975.

A realignment of the Canadian Forces in the mid-1990s saw Air Command HQ move to National Defence Headquarters.