Canada, U.S., Russia practice Arctic Search and Rescue

Arctic SAREX 2005 [ More Photos ]

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA – Rainy weather and low cloud ceilings could not put a damper on Arctic SAREX 05. Approximately 230 participants from Canada, the United States and Russia exercised their skills during the weeklong Arctic Search and Rescue exercise (Arctic SAREX) held last week in Alaska.

Arctic SAREX is a tri-national search and rescue (SAR) exercise that allows three Arctic nations to share expertise on SAR procedures and capabilities and improve interoperability, should a combined effort be required.

The United States hosted the 11th annual Arctic SAREX, Sept. 11-18. This year’s training scenario took place at the Firebird Drop Zone near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. It portrayed a simulated aircraft crash in a remote part of the Arctic. Canadian, Russian and American SAR teams searched for, evacuated and gave medical aid to approximately 20 simulated victims.

“Arctic SAREX is an example of increased interoperability between the three countries responsible for conducting SAR operations in the Arctic,” said Major-General Charlie Bouchard, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region. “Continually comparing and improving our skills enhances our ability to operate together on humanitarian missions such as search and rescue.”

The Canadian contingent consisted of approximately 15 participants from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron (Sqn) at 19 Wing, Comox, British Columbia, 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 14 Wing Greenwood, Nova Scotia, 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 17 Wing Winnipeg, 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters in Winnipeg and interpreters from Ottawa. Six members were Canadian Forces Search and Rescue technicians.

“ We can’t predict world events like the recent hurricane on the U.S. Gulf coast or a Pacific tsunami,” said Lieutenant Colonel Colin Goodman. “But we can predict that we will be called to work together. To be most effective in any combined action we have to establish a relationship beforehand – and that’s exactly what we are doing here.”

Ten other Arctic SAREX have been held: Gelendzhik, Russia in 2003; Gimli, Manitoba in 2002; Elmendorf, Alaska in 2001; St. Petersburg, Russia in 2000; CFB Trenton, Ontario in 1998, Homer Alaska in 1997; northeast of Khabarovsk, Russia in 1996; CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1995; Eielson AFB, Alaska in 1994; Tiksi, Siberia, Russia in 1993. The 1999 Arctic SAREX was cancelled as planning was interrupted by the Kosovo Conflict. The 2004 Arctic SAREX was cancelled due to the U.S. Presidential election. Canada will host next year’s Arctic SAREX in Comox, B.C.

A pararescue jumper from the Russian Federation packs up his parachute after jumping from a U.S. C-130 aircraft. CREDIT: Lt Jennifer Jones

Side-by-side, a Canadian Forces SAR Tech and a U.S. Pararescue Jumper (PJ) soar through the air during the Arctic SAREX "friendship jump" event. CREDIT: Lt Jennifer Jones

After conducting their initial patient assessment, Canadian Forces SAR Techs MCpl Andrew Mackenzie of 19 Wing Comox (foreground) and Sgt Ben House of 14 Wing Greenwood (background) work with a pararescue specialist from the Russian Federation to carry one of 20 "victims" of a simulated aircraft crash to safety during Arctic SAREX 05, Eielson, Alaska. CREDIT: Lt Jennifer Jones

Members of the Canadian, U.S. and Russian Federation delegations pose for a group photo to commemorate their week spent working together at Arctic SAREX 05, Eielson, Alaska CREDIT: Lt Jennifer Jones