News Releases

By Captain Nicole Meszaros

8 WING TRENTON -- As Mission Commander, Major Denis Roy, a 437 Transport Squadron pilot, faced some significant challenges in executing a high-profile yet covert operation. The operation of transporting the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, to Afghanistan came to Major Roy at short notice and as a closely guarded mission.

“I wasn’t aware of the manifest until not too long before we had to begin flying,” Major Roy said. “The challenge of the short-notice operation was to have 437 Squadron deliver a high level of service, which is our standard, to our Prime Minister.”

But once the crews were briefed, Major Roy explained, there was a positive feeling among all involved in transporting the Prime Minister on his first international mission. “Our sense of pride was heightened because of whom the Prime Minister was going to see. He was going to see our troops in theatre which made us that more proud,” said Major Roy.

After completing the necessary planning, the mission began with a positive start.

“Prime Minister Harper came to the cockpit and sat in the jump seat for his first official take-off,” recounted Major Roy. “He was very friendly and approachable and as Prime Minister, he gave us a good feeling.”

As Mission Commander Major Roy was responsible for the successful execution of the mission and acted as the liaison between the crew and the passengers. The position of Mission Commander, held by either a pilot or an air navigator, provides passengers with a single point of contact ensuring for smooth communications between both parties.

The mission Major Roy explained was demanding on all crewmembers involved. “It is not physically hard labour but the very long distances and flying time meant that, more than one crew was involved to safely complete the mission.” Even with another crew waiting to take over at a fuel stop enroute, the crews were on flying duty in excess of 18 hours.

Despite the challenges the mission was a success as the Prime Minister did have the opportunity to spend time with the troops in Kandahar. During a formal address to the CF members there he delivered words of encouragement.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I want to tell you how proud I am of the work you are doing.  You have put yourselves on the line to defend our national interests, ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs, and help Afghanistan rebuild into a free, democratic and peaceful country,” said Prime Minister Harper as quoted from an official news release. For more information on the prime minister, please visit http://www.pm.gc.ca .

Members of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton who are currently deployed as part of the Tactical Airlift Unit, which is based out of Camp Mirage, were also integral to the Prime Minister’s mission. Watch for that story in the coming days.

Capt Meszaros is an 8 Wing Public Affairs Officer.

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