“ God Bless Canada” US Ambassador tells departing troops

By Holly Bridges

Canadian Red Cross volunteer David Arsenault turns and waves before boarding an Airbus A310 (CC-150 Polaris) at 8 Wing Trenton, Saturday afternoon. The Halifax native was one of 25 ‘Disaster Services’ volunteers who were aboard the flight to Houston, Texas, to support hurricane relief efforts co-ordinated by the American Red Cross. Photo by Jeremy Ashley

In a heartfelt show of gratitude to Canada, United States Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins told Canadian Forces personnel departing Halifax yesterday the human spirit is mightier than any storm, and that “with friends like Canada, we will not and cannot fail.”

Ambassador Wilkins was referring to Canadian efforts to help New Orleans and the Gulf Coast of the United States recover from the ravages of tropical storm Katrina.

“My country is hurting, hurting deeply and once again, Canada is coming to our rescue - from Prime Minister Martin and his cabinet to Canada’s premiers, government officials, the military as evidenced today, and countless volunteers, all rushing to our aid.”

1,000 Canadian Forces and Canadian Coast Guard personnel set sail from Halifax yesterday Canada aboard the Athabaskan, two frigates - HMCS Toronto and HMCS Ville de Quebec - Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sir William Alexander to provide aid in the southern states hit by hurricane Katrina.

Three CH-124 Sea King helicopter detachments are en route with the Navy ships with a total of 57 Air Force personnel, led by Major Al McMillan who will oversee all ship-to-shore relief activity conducted by the Sea Kings.

“ Our Sea Kings will extend the reach of the Navy ships considerably,” said Captain Dave Devenney, 12 Wing Shearwater Public Affairs Officer. “The Sea King is a medium lift utility helicopter and can be used for any ship-to-shore activity that might be required.”

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, praised the CF personnel and thanked them for their efforts on such short notice.

“ I’m very proud of our men and women in uniform,” said Gen Hillier. “Thank you for what you are doing and thank you for what you are about to do.”

Ambassador Wilkins echoed Gen Hillier’s remarks, urging CF personnel to remember how much Americans appreciate the efforts they are bestowing on behalf of Canada.

“ May God bless all your efforts today and in the days and weeks to come. We appreciate and thank you. You are a dear friend. God bless your efforts, God bless Canada and God bless the United States.”

It's expected the ships and helicopters will anchor off the Louisiana coast when they arrive in about four days, and ferry supplies into the hardest hit areas.
Want to send a message to our Canadian Air Force personnel on their Katrina assistance? Send your comments to: bridges.hm@forces.gc.ca

Air Force involvement in Operation UNISON so far:

• On September 3, 2005, the Canadian Air Force transported 27 Canadian Red Cross and five Foreign Affairs officials to Houston, Texas aboard a CC-150 Polaris (Airbus A310) from 8 Wing Trenton. The airlift also included an advance party for the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). No decision has yet been made on deploying the DART.
  
• On September 3, 2005 Canada's Air Force sent two CH-146 Griffon helicopters to assist the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in covering the Boston Search and Rescue (SAR) area of responsibility (AOR) over the long weekend. The two Griffons are from 444 Combat Support (CS) Squadron, 5 Wing Goose Bay, NL. and from 439 (CS) Squadron, 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. Five aircrew personnel from each Squadron and maintenance personnel from 444 (CS) Squadron are headed to Air Station Cape Cod, MA, where they will provide SAR support to USCG District one (Boston) who deployed five of their six H60 Jayhawk helicopters to the flood relief duties in the Southern USA.
  
• On September 4, 2005 the Canadian Air Force transported a composite team of Navy divers from the Fleet Diving Units in Esquimalt, B.C. and Halifax, N.S., augmented by Army Combat Engineer divers from
  4 Engineer Support Regiment, C.F.B. Gagetown, N.B. aboard two CC-130 Hercules aircraft from 8 Wing Trenton.
  
• Another group of divers from Halifax departed by CC-130 Hercules aircraft later the same evening.
  
• On September 6, 2005, three CH-124 Sea King helicopter detachments, carrying 19 personnel each, departed Halifax aboard three Navy ships en route to the Gulf Coast.