The CC-115 Buffalo was first used by the RCAF in 1967, as a utility transport aircraft. These small, agile aircraft have the ability to take off and land on rugged and short landing strips, which made them well-suited for a variety of transport operations throughout Canada and United Nations missions around the globe. The Buffalo also played a critical role in search and rescue, as its all-weather capabilities made it ideal to service the rough and mountainous terrain of the Rocky Mountains and the Arctic.

Buffalo 115456 left the De Havilland Plant at Downsview, Ontario on August 27, 1967 and was officially taken on strength with the RCAF on October 12, 1967. It began its service with 429 Tactical Transport Squadron at St. Hubert, Quebec on November 9, 1967. On October 29, 1975 Buffalo 115456 was converted to a dual role Transport / Search and Rescue aircraft, and subsequently served with 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Comox, BC until its retirement in September 2020. During this time, CC-115456 served in search and rescue operations, conducted fishery patrols, and even carried the famous SkyHawks parachute demonstration team.

Buffalo 115456 was retired and transferred to the Museum, arriving from CFB Comox, BC, in October 2020.