Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft and crews departed from Canada yesterday and today, headed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Impact.
On Thursday, October 23, 2014, CF-188 Hornets that had departed 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, on October 21 left 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, headed for Southwest Asia. A CC-150T Polaris air-to-air refueller joined the Hornets to support coalition air operations.
On that same day, a CC-150 Polaris departed 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, carrying personnel from bases and wings across Canada who will join personnel already in place. It paused at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, to embark additional personnel in that location. In total, approximately 600 personnel – including aircrew support elements such as command and control, and logistics personnel – have deployed on the mission
This evening – Friday, October 24, 2014 – two CP-140M Aurora long-range patrol aircraft are scheduled to depart from their home base of 14 Wing. These aircraft will provide surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
“In light of recent events, I am proud and thankful that our Canadian Armed Forces’ men and women stand courageously for peace and stability. Their resilience demonstrates our values internationally,” said Defence Minister Rob Nicholson in a statement yesterday.
“We will not be intimidated. More than ever, we remain committed and determined to work with our allies and partners around the world to fight against the terrorist organizations to prevent the spread of terror and tyranny.”
Operation Impact is the Canadian contribution to coalition assistance to security forces in the Republic of Iraq who are fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – known as ISIL.
Source / Author: RCAF
Photo: Cpl. Mathieu Gaudreault