Three weeks till Christmas and thirty more Canadians are off to Kandahar. Members of 408 (tac) Helicopter Sqn. These men and women put themselves in the line of fire on behalf of Canada and Canadians. They will operate six Chinook helicopters recently acquired by the Canadian government. The Chinooks will be escorted by eight smaller Griffon helicopters which will also be deployed in Afghanistan. The implementation of these Transport and Utility Helicopters will greatly increase both the mobility and safety of our ground troops. The Chinook is the Heavy lifter and is capable of moving 24 soldiers and their gear, into areas which by land would take hours or days to reach.
The Griffon is Canada's utility helicopter and will be a great asset to the troops as well.The Griffon helicopter is used by the army to spot hostile forces and quickly insert troops into tense situations. The aircraft also provides medical support and search and rescue capabilities to the Land Force. It is equipped with the latest navigation, GPS, thermal and night vision systems.
This in itself is another reason Canada cannot afford to have a weak Government Coalition in charge of our military.
Members of the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton listen to Major-General Marcel Duval speak before they board a plane to Afghanistan Monday morning. (James Hees/CBC)
Griffon Ready to deploy troops.
Chinook at work.
Check out todays guardian with the story of Captain terry Hunter an Islander serving in the Sudan. This photo is Captain Hunter at work checking on mine clearances.
Captain Terry Hunter serving Canada in the Sudan.
Please Show your support for your troops and their families especially at this season of family get togethers whether for Christmas or Hannuka.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
