103 Squadron takes SAREX trophy
The event, held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada from 18 to 24 September, brought together over 230 participants.
A Royal Canadian Airforce (RCAF) search and rescue squadron has emerged as the best overall crew at a recent national SAR exercise (SAREX). The event, held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada from 18 to 24 September, brought together over 230 participants from rescue organisations such as the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and various RCAF squadrons in the week-long exercise.
Participants took part in SAR missions that tested their ability to respond to situations, with scenarios such as rescuing a canoeist in distress and rescuing four individuals from a remote area challenging the teams. A friendly competition was set up throughout the five days to see which squadron responded best to the situations, with 103 Squadron from 9 Wing Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador scooping the trophy for best overall SAR squadron.
“The national SAREX is a strategic enabler, allowing for valuable interaction between the Canadian Armed Forces and other government and non-government partners, which strengthens our ability to operate efficiently for possible SAR missions,” said Major-General Christian Drouin, the commander of 1 Canadian Air Division. “I wish to thank all of those that contributed to this successful exercise and congratulate 103 Squadron on being named this year’s best overall squadron.”
The exercise also saw the department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Public Safety Canada and Transport Canada help and observe proceedings. A variety of RCAF aircraft were used during the exercise, including CH-149 Cormorant helicopters, CH-146 Griffon helicopters, and CC-130H Hercules and CC-138 Twin Otter planes.