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National SAREX 2008:
An exciting week in Thunder Bay

A Buffalo Search and Rescue aircraft.
Photo Credit: Kim Fauteux

By Kim Fauteux

Here I was, two months into my new job at the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, and about to embark on a new adventure…as a passenger on a Buffalo aircraft. Very exciting most of you will think, and with reason, but also nerve-racking for someone who is terribly afraid of heights, and isn’t too fond of flying!

For the first time, I attended the 2008 National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), which was held in Thunder Bay from September 22 to 28, 2008. As a spectator, I had the opportunity to see more than 250 military and civilian search and rescue (SAR) experts from Canada and the United States do what they do best: practice and hone their SAR skills in order to save lives.

The exercise, hosted on a rotating basis by one of the Canadian Forces SAR Wings, gives the SAR community a chance to develop rescue cooperation, test alerting and notification systems, and cross-train in rescue procedures and techniques in the event of a large-scale SAR operation. It also gave me an insight about what really goes on in the SAR world, on a day-to-day basis and presented a wonderful opportunity for me to meet the people working in the field. The exercise, which aimed to improve interoperability, brought together Canadian and American SAR participants for the first time since the mid-1980s.

SAR Techs jumping during the parachuting accuracy event. Photo Credit: Kim Fauteux

Events

This year, the SAR community had the opportunity to compete in the following eight events: Para Accuracy, Search, Rescue, Helicopter Accuracy, Marine Fixed Wing, Marine Helo, Medical and Maintenance. Hosted by 17 Wing Winnipeg’s 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, this year’s theme was “The Canadian Frontier”. A trophy at the National SAREX is traditionally awarded for team spirit, and historically, theme participation has always played a big role towards selecting the winner. Having been there for various events, and at social gatherings, I can honestly say that the SAR community does not lack team spirit!

The closed-circuit live broadcast of the medical event from inside the “crashed aircraft” fuselage was an innovation, as was the variety of locations chosen for the events (Lakehead University confined area jump, bundle drops at Kakabeka Falls aerodrome, Lake Superior marine and the special public event and parajumps into the Fort William Historic Site). The variety of locations gave participants and onlookers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sights of Thunder Bay.

The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) and its members enjoyed being part of this year’s SAREX. “CASARA crews participated in SAREX searching in the same area and looking for the same targets as the military. Military SAR crews were always willing to accommodate and assist CASARA in any way”, shared John Kelly, National Administrator for CASARA, who helped organize the event. He also mentioned that CASARA members learned a lot about how to conduct the different phases of SAR and that they would take the information learned back with them to their province/territory and pass it on to their members during CASARA training sessions.

Trophy Winners

A SAR Tech is landing during the parachuting accuracy event. Photo Credit: Kim Fauteux

Many trophies were awarded at the Awards Banquet on September 27. The Team Spirit Award was awarded to 442 Squadron, Comox, while Warrant Officer Norm Boutin received the Bell Ringer Trophy, awarded to the winner of the over-45 age group jump event. MCpl Guy St-Denis was honoured by being awarded the Complete Parachute Solutions Trophy, for the individual with the best performance in the parachuting accuracy event.

The Rotary Wing Marine Trophy, for the best ship hoist sequence, went to 103 Squadron, Gander, while Sgt Shawn Harrison received the SAR Tech of the Year Award. The LCol Colin Goodman National SAR Excellence Award, for the CASARA crew who demonstrated the best performance in the search event, was awarded to CASARA Thunder Bay.

A SAR Tech drops a bundle during the SRK drop event. Photo Credit: Kim Fauteux

This year, three squadrons walked away with three trophies each. 424 Squadron, Trenton, received the Fixed Wing Marine Trophy for the best SRK drop, the Rotary Wing Accuracy Trophy for the most accurate rotary wing flying and the Cormorant Trophy, presented to the Canadian civilian, government or military helicopter crew that has performed the most demanding helicopter rescue of the year. 413 Squadron, Greenwood, won the Allison Trophy for the best performance in the parachuting accuracy event, the Fixed Wing Landing Accuracy Trophy and the Pararescue Association Honour Roll Trophy. 435 Squadron, Winnipeg, was awarded the Maintenance Trophy, the Search Trophy, as well as the Diamond Trophy, for the unit with the best overall performance in selected competitive events.

This year’s Exercise Coordinator, Major Jay Steele, was extremely pleased with the execution of the exercise. “Our plan from the beginning was to expand the exercise to include more realistic training in more of our SAR disciplines like marine search and rescue. The goal of improving our interoperability with other SAR communities was accomplished with the continued involvement of CASARA, and the involvement of the US Coast Guard and the US Air Force Reserve”, stated Major Steele. He also mentioned that without the support of the Naval Reserve Unit, HMCS Griffon, and the Thunder Canadian Coast Guard, the exercise would not have been as successful.

At the National SAREX 2008, participants were able to enjoy competing in events and exchange valuable information. The exercise also provided an opportunity to gather SAR-related data in live exercise scenarios.

As for my experience aboard the Buffalo, I learned that flying could be fun, especially when doing so with an engaging, professional and very accommodating crew who obviously take so much pride in their work. I was able to learn a lot about the SAR community at the National SAREX 2008, and I came back to Ottawa with profound admiration for the people whose lives are devoted to saving ours.

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