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Canada Extends Operation Reassurance In Europe

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Ahead of the 2023 deadline, Canada is re-upping Operation Reassurance in Europe.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement Tuesday during his ongoing trip to discuss Russia’s attack on Ukraine with world leaders.

“In light of the situation in Europe we decided to renew it ahead of schedule,” Trudeau remarked. “The troops here are not only defending Latvia or eastern Europe, they are defending all NATO allies including Canada. They are defending our freedom and security, that’s why this work is so important especially in the face of continued Russian aggression.”

The operation involves Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members conducting training, exercises, and some North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) specific tasks.

Trudeau also took the time pledge more support for Ukraine in their ongoing conflict with Russia.

“We have sent aid, weapons and we will continue to send support to Ukrainians as they stand and defend not just their country but defend democracy, the values that underpin democracy and in fact defend us all.”

One reporter put the question to both the Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg as to how much farther world leaders are willing to go to end the conflict.

“We are here to preserve peace, prevent war and that’s the reason why we are increasing our defensive presence in Latvia and in the rest of the eastern part of the alliance,” responded Stoltenberg.

Trudeau stressed that NATO has never been more united and determined and all members will abide by Article 5.

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Report Released Into Fatal Snowbirds Crash

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A military investigation finds a bird strike played a role in the fatal Snowbirds crash in Kamloops, B.C., last May.

The Department of National Defence released the investigation report and recommendations on Monday.

Capt. Jenn Casey, a native of Halifax, died in the crash while Capt. Richard MacDougall suffered serious injuries.

Findings show the plane’s engine “ingested” a small bird following takeoff, leading to a compressor stall and loss of power.

“Upon loss of power, the pilot initiated a climb straight ahead and then a turn back towards the airport,” said a news release from the Department of National Defence.

“During this manoeuver, the aircraft entered into an aerodynamic stall and the pilot gave the order to abandon the aircraft.”

Casey and MacDougall ejected from the plane but investigators found they were too low for their parachutes to work properly.

The report makes five recommendations, which include more training on engine-related emergencies after takeoff, clarifying the command to ‘eject’; publishing a directive to clarify how aircrew should prioritize an ejection-scenario near or over a populated area; and researching potential options to stabilize the ejection seat from any tendency to pitch, roll, or yaw.

“Snowbird 11’s power loss could not have come at a worse time – low altitude, low airspeed, proximity to another aircraft, and in the vicinity of a built-up area,” Col. John Alexander, Director of Flight Safety for the Royal Canadian Air Force, said in a statement.

“This tragic accident reinforces the importance of continuous, situation-specific training to minimize reaction time in an emergency and the importance of a timely decision to eject.”

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UPDATE: Military Exits Neskantaga First Nation

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The military gets the go ahead to re-deploy men and women in uniform from the Neskantaga First Nation.

In an email to Acadia Broadcasting, Lieutenant Alex Wood with the 4th Canadian Division Headquarters says the First Nation has conveyed that it no longer requires support from the Forces and the Request for Federal Assistance has wrapped up.

[Canadian Armed Forces] members who were deployed in support of the Neskantaga First Nation will be redeployed to their respective units. The Forces is proud to have worked alongside our partners and community members to bring needed relief and assistance.

Military help was first requested back on October 23rd from Neskantaga First Nation through Ontario’s Emergency Operation Center.

The Federal Assistance Request came four days later (October 27th) through Public Safety Canada.

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UPDATE: Contact Lost With Canadian Military Helicopter

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The Canadian Armed Forces says one of its helicopters has been involved in an accident in the Mediterranean Sea

In a statement late Wednesday, the military said it lost contact with the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter off the coast of Greece.

“Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway,” said the military.

Officials said they have contacted all primary family members of those who were onboard the helicopter.

The aircraft had been deployed on HMCS Fredericton as part of Operation Reassurance, a NATO mission in central and eastern Europe.

The ship set sail for a six-month deployment in late January.

The CAF confirms we have contacted all primary family members of those who were on board the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter…

Posted by Canadian Armed Forces Operations on Wednesday, April 29, 2020