A CC295 Kingfisher from 413 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron recently returned from its first international deployment, a successful trip to the Azores, where it participated in the Advanced Search and Rescue Exercise (ASAREX 25).
Held at Lajes Air Base No. 4 of the Portuguese Air Force, home to both Regional Coordination Centre (RCC) Lajes and the United States Air Force’s 65th Air Base Group, ASAREX 25 brought together participants from Portugal, Spain and Canada to strengthen partnerships and hone search and rescue (SAR) skills over the Atlantic Ocean.
The 413 Squadron team and their Kingfisher completed nearly 40 flying hours across 10 sorties, logging more time in the air than any other participating aircraft. The deployment showcased the capabilities of Canada’s newest SAR aircraft, while deepening collaboration with SAR partners from Portugal and Spain.
“Our main goal is to improve interoperability and learn to work together,” said Azores Air Zone Commander Major-General António Moldão during the exercise’s opening ceremony. “ASAREX 25 is a military exercise, but also the continuation of a proud tradition among SAR communities. It is a time to sharpen and improve our SAR skills, and prepare for real events in our common waters. We are aiming to achieve excellence, trust and friendship.”
Overall, the exercise involved six different air assets and several RCCs. Representing Canada was the approximately 34-member detachment from 413 Squadron with the CC295 Kingfisher, as well as two RCAF members from Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax.
The Spanish Air and Space Force attended with a Super Puma helicopter from 802 Squadron. Their 801 SAR Squadron, with CN-235D fixed-wing aircraft, was unable to attend due to operational requirements. A Royal Moroccan Air Force colonel was also invited as an observer, since they, too, operate the Super Puma.
As the host nation, the Portuguese Air Force was well represented, with its 501 Squadron C130, 502 Squadron C295, 601 Squadron P3C, 752 Squadron “Fénix” EH101 Merlin(the same as a Royal Canadian Air Force CH149 Cormorant), Space Operations Centre and Air Command Lisboa. The Portuguese Navy also participated, with NRP Viana do Castelo; and other Portuguese SAR partners included RCC Lajes, RCC Lisboa, MRCC Delgada, a K9 unit, Maritime Authority, Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil e Bombeiros dos Açores, Polícia de Segurança Pública, Guarda Nacional Republicana, Escola do Mar dos Açores, Mutualista Açoreana de Transportes Marítimos, and the Atlantico Line ferry.
Throughout the week, crews tackled a variety of realistic SAR scenarios, including a September 9 search on Mount Pico for a lost hiker, based on a recent real-world case, with the Kingfisher locating the target. Upon their return to the base, SAR-technicians performed parachute jumps. September 10, assets exercised through an at-sea crash simulation, with the search involving the Kingfisher, Portuguese C130 and P3C aircraft, and a Spanish Super Puma for hoist operations’ as well as the Portuguese Navy’s NRP Viana. Later that evening, the Kingfisher provided top cover and flare illumination during a sinking vessel rescue scenario. September 11, a second crash-at-sea scenario incorporated lessons learned from earlier missions, with the Kingfisher again working alongside Portuguese and Spanish partners.
September 12 was Distinguished Visitors’ Day, featuring an air demonstration, SAR technician parachute jumps from 5,000 feet, aircraft flypasts and hoisting displays. VIPs were impressed with the show, while local residents and school children also gathered to enjoy the demonstrations.
The exercise closed with praise from participants and commanders alike.
“We accomplished all our SAR training missions!” said Moldão during the closing ceremonies. “I couldn’t be happier that everything was accomplished, without accident or incident. The SAR community is highly motivated and deeply committed. Planning for ASAREX 26 begins now!”
Major Mike Girard, detachment commander for 413 Squadron, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s been a great experience for our unit with our new aircraft in a deployed setting. ASAREX was an incredible success, thanks to the skill, hard work and professionalism of all involved.”
