RCAF in Brazil for multinational exercise

Two Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules from 436 Transport Squadron arrived in Natal, Brazil, for CRUZEX FLIGHT 18, Nov. 18, 2018. The key South American exercise brings together air forces from eight allied and partner nations to conduct a wide range of training. Photo: AB Paul Green, 8 Wing Imaging

Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force have landed for CRUZEX FLIGHT 18, a key South American multinational exercise hosted by the Brazilian Air Force.

Two CC-130J Hercules aircraft and more than 35 members of the RCAF from 8 Wing Trenton, 1 Canadian Air Division and RCAF headquarters will be participating until Nov. 30. Members of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre will also take part.

The RCAF joins allies and partners from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, France, the United States and Uruguay, as they exercise tactical transport missions in conflict and humanitarian relief scenarios in a combined environment, while exchanging information on doctrine.

“Exercising in unfamiliar environments contributes to the operational readiness of Air Mobility aircrew and technicians as these personnel may be called upon to fly anywhere in the world to support Canadian Armed Forces operations, including humanitarian relief missions.” said Captain Trevor Reid, RCAF, 8 Wing Trenton Public Affairs.

Enhancing defence diplomacy in the Americas serves to strengthen international and regional security, while also supporting continental, NATO and UN led-missions.

“Participation provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in areas such as capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and support for other government departments in their efforts to counter the illegal movement of drugs, people, weapons, money and other transnational organized crime activity.”

“In addition to flying tactical missions, the Air Task Force members will also engage in academic discussions regarding Peace Support Operations, thereby building relationships with our partner nations and contributing to capacity building in the region,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Bowser, CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 Air Task Force Commander.

The two CC-130J Hercules are from 436 Transport Squadron, based at 8 Wing Trenton. The CC-130J is a four-engine, fixed-wing turboprop aircraft that can carry up to 92 combat troops or 128 non-combat passengers. It is used for a wide range of missions, including personnel transport, tactical airlift (both palletized and vehicular cargo) and humanitarian aid delivery.