“Exercise Stalwart Guardian”
Air Force provides wings of mercury for the Army

By Captain Wayne Wong

Members of 400 Squadron perform a "hot" refueling of a ch-146 Griffon Helicopter at a Forward Area Refueling Point in preparation to transport more troops to battle zones. Photo by: MCpl Larry Wilson

CFB PETAWAWA -- It’s early morning and several CH-146 Griffon helicopters from 400 and 408 squadrons shatter the morning silence with a thundering roar.

“One minute!” screams the 33rd Brigade Sergeant-Major as the infantry personnel prepare to board the helicopters. They are later inserted into a landing zone and successfully carry out an attack on a bridge being held by enemy forces.

From August 20 to 28 the 31 (London area), 32 (Toronto area), and 33 (Ottawa area) Army Reserve Brigade Groups from all of Ontario gathered at CFB Petawawa along with 400 (CFB Borden) and 427 (CFB Petwawawa) Tactical Helicopter Squadrons for simulated combat missions in preparation for overseas deployment. Of the over 3,200 reservists present at Exercise Stalwart Guardian, 200 will be deployed to Afghanistan by 2006.

400 and 427 Tactical Helicopter Squadrons consist of both Reserve and Regular Force personnel. Exercises such as Stalwart Guardian provide invaluable training for all members of Air Force helicopter squadrons to help them better integrate and operate with the Army, so that the Canadian Forces can truly emulate the concept of a “total force”.

Capt Wong is a CH-146 helicopter pilot and Unit Information Officer for 400 Squadron in Borden.