News Release RCAF’s Newest Search and Rescue Technicians Graduate at 19 Wing Comox -Graduates complete one of the Canadian Armed Forces’ most demanding courses June 13, 2014 Department of National Defence 19 WING COMOX – Under orange canopies, graduates of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) latest Search and Rescue (SAR) course parachuted into 19 Wing Comox, June 12, 2014 marking the end of 11 months of intense training. Quick Facts · The eight members of Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Technician) Course 47 have a wide range of previous military service including former infantry soldiers, Combat Engineers, mechanics and medics. Rounding out this diverse experience on course was a former Meteorological Technician and a former Water, Fuels and Environmental Technician. · SAR Technician training is run by the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue, located at 19 Wing Comox. · For Canadian Armed Forces members aspiring to become SAR Technicians, they must first pass a rigorous pre-selection course located in Hinton and Jarvis Lake, Alberta, before attending the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue. Typically, out of approximately 30 applicants, only 10 will be selected for the final course. · Brigadier-General Bruce Ploughman, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division and the Air Force Training Centre was the reviewing officer for the parade. · The Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue prepares SAR Technician candidates to perform life-saving missions in rugged and remote locations, while dealing with some of the harshest weather and environmental conditions Canada has to offer. · The Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue trains SAR Technicians in a variety of disciplines, from serving as highly qualified first responders, to parachuting, scuba diving and mountain climbing. · The eight new SAR Technicians will soon be posted to various RCAF Search and Rescue squadrons across Canada. Quotes “It has been a long year of training for the SAR Tech students and, without exception, each student has displayed an amazing amount of professionalism and dedication to their new occupation. Each phase has its own challenges and in most cases the students have never had to deal with some of the stressors that are placed on them in the field. However, all of the candidates proved they are very capable SAR Tech team members.” Sergeant Bill Kelland, Course 47 Training Non-Commissioned Member Related Links For more information on 19 Wing Comox visit: rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/19-wing/index.page? For more information on the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue visit: forces.gc.ca/en/training-establishments/cf-school-search-rescue.page - 30 - Contacts Captain Trevor Reid 19 Wing Public Affairs Officer Phone: (normal hours) 250-339-8201 Phone: (after hours/weekends) 250-703-7035 Email: [email protected]. Photo : CX2013-0198-02 12 June 2014 Comox, British Columbia Brigadier-General Bruce Ploughman, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division and the Air Force Training Centre is joined by Chief Warrant Officer Deborah Matthews and staff of the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue, as he inspects graduates of Search and Rescue Course 47 on parade at 19 Wing Comox, June 12, 2014. SAR Tech training is run by the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue, located at 19 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Comox. During 11 months of intense training, the school prepares SAR Tech candidates to perform life-saving missions throughout Canada, in some of the harshest weather and environmental conditions. Whether they are jumping into surf from a helicopter, rappelling down a cliff, parachuting into arctic winds or scuba diving into murky waters, SAR Techs are known for their ability to reach those in need. CX2013-0198-03 12 June 2014 Comox, British Columbia Brigadier-General Bruce Ploughman, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division presents Master Corporal Eve Boyce with her Search and Rescue Technician beret during the graduation parade for SAR Tech Course 47, held at 19 Wing Comox on June 12, 2014. Photo by Corporal Létourneau PJJ CX2013-0198-04 12 June 2014 Comox, British Columbia Brigadier-General Bruce Ploughman, Commander of 2 Canadian Air Division, accompanied by 2 Canadian Air Division Chief Warrant Officer Deborah Matthews and Master Warrant Officer Wayde Simpson of the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue presents Master Corporal Ashley Barker with her Search and Rescue technician wings during the graduation parade for SAR Tech Course 47, held at 19 Wing Comox on June 12, 2014. Photo by Corporal Létourneau PJJ © 2014, DND-MDN CANADA
Posted on: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:32:40 +0000
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