Another year of search and rescue training hosted by 19 Wing Comox is in the books.
The National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) 2025 started Monday, September 22 and concluded Friday, September 26 with a major disaster simulation on the water.
SAREX Director Maj. Olivier Makron said the week brought rescue crews from all over the world together to enhance their rescue abilities.
“We’re really, really happy with how the week went and overall, this is going to make all our crews safer and more efficient to save Canadians.”
Crews from Canada, the United States, Brazil, Chile and Spain took part in the week of training exercises, taking advantage of the unique terrain the Comox Valley and surrounding area offers.
The final event closed off Air Force Beach to the public Friday, simulating a boat in distress on the water, with injured passengers both on the water and shore waiting to be rescued.
U.S. Coast Guard (USGC) liaison officer to the RCMP Cdr. George Cottrell said this year was successful once again and hopes to return in the future.
“It’s awesome to highlight the amazing U.S. and Canadian cooperation, it’s an amazing partnership and it truly feels like a family.”
USCG Lt. Liam Ballantyne added having SAREX in the Comox Valley allowed them to take many tips back south of the border and for rescues in the Pacific Northwest.
“It’s just been a very useful and helpful thing to be able to share techniques, knowledge, and learn from our Canadian partners.”
The event took place at 19 Wing Comox for the second year in a row, and returned last year after a near decade pause.
