CR News

3rd CRPG Search and Rescue Exercise Transfer of Authority

CANADIAN RANGERS SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BY 3rd CRPG “A COMPLETE SUCCESS”

A search and rescue exercise using Canadian Rangers from 12 First Nations in Northern Ontario was “a complete success,” according to Capt. Mark Rittwage, deputy commanding officer of 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.

“It was the largest we have ever done,” he said, “and it validated the ground search and rescue skills of our Rangers. It tested their map and compass training, including GPS, and emergency first aid, all vital skills for (ground search and rescue).

“It was realistic, based on two typical scenarios for Northern Ontario - a missing small plane and two overdue hunters. The Rangers showed they are not afraid of the cold weather. They’re not afraid of a river with white caps and some ice on it. They’re used to those hardships. At the end of this exercise everybody came home with big smiles on their faces. I know it challenged them and they liked the idea of bringing Rangers in from other communities so they could work together.”

The searches included the regional military operations centre in Toronto and the Canadian Ranger operations centre at Canadian Forces Base Borden.

Rangers from Peawanuck, Attawapiskat, Kashechewan, Fort Albany and Constance Lake flew to assist Rangers in Moose Factory in their search for two overdue moose hunters. They used freighter canoes to search the banks of the Moose and French Rivers.They found them on the second day and called in a rescue helicopter to airlift them to the Moose Factory hospital. The Rangers were helped by a civilian volunteer, Darryl Corston of Moose Factory, who operated his own freighter canoe.

Rangers in Webequie were joined by Rangers from Fort Severn, Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Muskrat Dam, Mishkeegogamang and Bearskin Lake in their search for the downed plane’s two pilots. The Rangers were forced to search on foot because ice conditions prevented them using either boats or snowmobiles. They found the pilots on the second day of their search.

“Several Junior Canadian Rangers realized the exercise was going on in Webequie,” Capt. Rittwage said. “They went to the search co-ordination centre and asked if they could help out. They helped to keep it clean and helped the Rangers get their gear ready. That was impressive. It shows the Rangers are local role models.”

Ranger Sgt. Derek Moses said poor weather and having to work with Rangers from other communities were challenges for the Moose Factory Rangers. “Some people were shy at the beginning but within a couple of hours we were all talking and learning from each other,” he said.

Grand Chief Stan Louttit of the Mushkegowuk Council met with the Rangers at the end of the Moose Factory exercise. “He welcomed them to his community and thanked them for their efforts,” Capt. Rittwage said. “He sees the value in the Canadian Rangers and he came to let them know that. The Rangers really appreciated that.”

Adapted from Sergeant Peter Moon, public affairs ranger for 3rd CRPG’s article and photos credit