Articles

436 Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton

Shortly after sunrise in the mountains northwest of Kandahar, Afghanistan, a CC-130 Hercules from the Tactical Airlift Unit (TAU) at Camp Mirage began the steep descent to Tarin Kowt, where a Forward Operating Base or FOB (a compound with a gravel airstrip) lies only five kilometres from bandit country.

Aboard the Herc was the lead element of the first Dutch contingent to serve in this area. In a co-operative gesture typical of coalition forces operating here, Task Force Afghanistan eagerly agreed to transport about 200 Dutch soldiers from Kandahar to FOB Tarin Kowt. This troop insertion took several days and was executed smoothly, safely and efficiently.

With anti-coalition fighters so close, Tarin Kowt may be the most dangerous destination visited by a TAU crew to date. Despite the risk to themselves and their aircraft, the flight crews thoroughly prepared and, as the mission unfolded, were buoyed by its outstanding success.

"The topography of Tarin Kowt, especially the airstrip, is very much like some of our Arctic outposts in Canada," said Aircraft Commander Major Andy Cook. " Our Canadian tactical training prepared me completely for the challenges of this sortie, and I'm very happy that my crew was able to perform this historic mission and assist our Dutch colleagues."

Mission Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Rob Coulthard, the Commanding Officer of the Theatre Support Element, agreed with Maj Cook's assessment.

"I am very proud that the Tactical Airlift Unit (TAU) was able to provide crews to carry out this challenging and dangerous mission. Its flawless execution and perfect safety record showcased the skills, professionalism and teamwork of our tactical aircrews in one of the most austere and dangerous theatres of operation in the world today."

Major Gary Stone, the navigator on that first Hercules into FOB Tarin Kowt, was equally as positive, both about the Dutch mission and the overall work of Air Force personnel in such a dangerous theatre of operations.

"Our aircrew are performing some of the most demanding tactical missions flown by Canadians in decades. Whether supplying food, water and ammunition to coalition forces by airdrop, or conducting challenging troop insertions for our allies, the men and women of the Tactical Airlift Unit are proving day after day that their skills rank with the very best in the world."

The contingent from the Netherlands will be in Tarin Kowt for a period of a few weeks for some to many months for front line soldiers.

The crew of the first mission into Tarin Kowt - all from 436 Transport Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton included Mission Commander LCol Rob Coulthard, Aircraft Commander Maj Andy Cook, navigator Maj Gary Stone, first officer Capt Daryl Dubuc, intelligence officer Capt Jim Burton, flight engineer Sgt Jean Audette, loadmasters Sgt Kel Brown and Sgt Parry Chrysler and aircraft ground-security specialist Cpl Gilbert Rigg.

The above article was prepared by Maj Andy Cook,pilot with 436 Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton.