Vanguard Magazine

8 DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 www.vanguardcanada.com S Sit REp On November 22, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, announced that Canadian Forces Base Kingston would have a new modular indoor live-fire training range. On behalf of the Defence Minister, Gerretsen announced that the new range will be in- stalled at the Joint Task Force X (JTF X) facility at CFB Kingston. The CC-130J Hercules can carry up to 92 combat troops or 128 non- combat passengers and can be used in a wide range of missions, including personnel transport, tactical airlift and humanitarian aid delivery. The RCAF has a bilateral relationship since 2009 with the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) and conducts biennial Deputy Command- er-level staff talks. Brazil is one of the Government of Canada's priorities for engagement in the Western Hemisphere. CFB Kingston to get new indoor live-fire range RCAF takes part in CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 in Brazil "This new facility will help prepare our women and men in uniform to achieve success in operations and home and abroad," said Gerretsen. The $6.2 million contract does not include an in-service support con- tract which is estimated to be up to $5.6 million over 20 years, including option years. Recently, a new $51.9 million facility was opened for JTF X called the Sir William Samuel Stephenson CC, MC, DFC Building, which has vehicle mainte- nance and storage space, specialized training areas, a simulator room and classrooms. The new building is also equipped with advanced secu- rity measures. "Equipment like this new modular indoor live-fire range provides the Canadian Armed Forces with an excellent opportunity to train and grow, and will ensure they are prepared to achieve success in any mission they might undertake," said Defence Minister Sajjan. According to a release, the new 25-metre indoor range will offer lane firing at fixed targets and simulated moving targets, as well as simulated operational scenarios requiring a quick response. These exercises are geared to help JTF X members in maintaining proficiency in firing small arms such as 9 mm pistols. "The range allows JTF X to conduct essential training required to pre- pare for real-world operations while minimizing the time members spend away from their unit, and away from their families," said Lieutenant-Colo- nel Mark Mahood, Commanding Officer, Joint Task Force X. Dymech Engineering of Greely, Ontario, was awarded both contracts–a total value of $11.8 million. The new range is expected to be operational in the fall of 2019. Leading Seaman Erik Girouard fires the Sig Saur pistol as part of a force protection exercise on board HMCS CALGARY during Operation PROJECTON in the East China Sea, November 2, 2018. Photo: Leading Seaman Mike Goluboff. Over 35 staff members from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) are in Brazil to share in CRUZEX FLIGHT 18. CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 is a key South American multinational exercise hosted by the Brazilian Air Force with participation from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Peru, France, the United States and Uruguay. Those par- ticipating will "exercise tactical transport missions in conflict and hu- manitarian relief scenarios in a combined environment while exchang- ing information on doctrine," according to a press release. By exercising in unfamiliar environments, like in the case of Brazil, RCAF personnel will continue to build the operational readiness to fly anywhere in the world to support Canadian Armed Forces operations and humanitarian relief missions. "In addition to flying tactical missions, the Air Task Force members will also engage in academic discussions regarding Peace Support Opera- tions, thereby building relationships with our partner nations and con- tributing to capacity building in the region," said Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Bowser, CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 Air Task Force Commander. The RCAF has provided two CC-130J Hercules aircraft along with mem- bers from 8 Wing Trenton, 1 Canadian Air Division and RCAF headquar- ters. Also, members of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre are a part of the Canadian contingent for CRUZEX FLIGHT 18, which runs from November 18 to 30.

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