If you see helicopters and search and rescue boats out on the ocean during the next few days, they are likely part of a joint training exercise by Canadian and American militaries.
19 Wing Comox is hosting 110 Canadian Armed Forces members from all across Canada and around 70 American personnel from the US Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force. Together, 24 squadrons will be practicing over 60 simulated search and rescue scenarios until September 13. They are using 16 different aircraft as well as boats from both nations.
The rescue scenarios are in different locations along the coast, and will simulate different types of events including a sinking boat, overdue hikers, and a helicopter crash.
It’s the largest Canadian Search and Rescue Exercise in nine years.
