In 1946, Carl Friberg, a wartime bandmaster working as a public relations representative in Vancouver, was invited to form a professional band for the RCAF No.2 Training Command in Winnipeg.

It became operational the next year and was transferred to Edmonton as the North West Air Command Band.

An increase of demand prompted its leadership to create new subdivisions such as Jet Stream, Command Brass (brass quintet) and an eight member pipes and drums (not to be confused with the RCAF Pipes and Drums).

[2][3] 2016 saw the dissolution of the pipes and drums and a reinstitution of the brass and reed band instrumentation, while still maintaining contemporary musical capabilities including vocals, guitar and piano.

Once again, in June 2024, the RCAF Band travelled to Normandy and took part in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.