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Canadian and U.S. Rescue Forces Join Together for Hurricane Relief Efforts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080903-06
Release Date: 9/3/2008 12:24:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla (NNS) -- Before Hurricane Gustav touched down along the Gulf Coast Sept. 1, U.S. military forces began coordinating efforts for search and rescue teams as well as disaster relief aid in anticipation of the call to aid civilian authorities.

The Canadian Air Force joined the efforts and sent a team of search and rescue (SAR) technicians aboard two CC-130 Hercules aircraft deployed from 14 Wing, Greenwood, Nova Scotia and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Capt. Steve Schreiber, deputy wing commander Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet expressed his gratitude for the Canadian forces there to assist them when the call came.

"We love having our joint and coalition partners assist us when they can because we do the same for them all over the world," said Schreiber. "We are grateful for their presence and we realize they have a lot of expertise in the arena. "We more than welcome their assistance in this effort."

Two CC-130 Hercules aircraft were sent to the United States under the provisions of the Civil Assistance Plan as part of Operation Unify, the official designation for the Canadian Forces mission.

"We are in the business of saving lives," said Capt. Leighton James, SAR air craft commander, 14 Wing Greenwood. "If there is a need for rescue technicians, if there is a need for us to try to evacuate personnel in difficult locations we can do that. My guys are very capable. They are compatible with the American parajumpers and will answer the call for rock climbing, ice climbing, parachuting into land or water, arctic operations and underwater scuba operations."

The damage from Hurricane Gustav was not as extensive as anticipated, and the Canadian crews returned home shortly after it became clear they would not be needed.

"Our motto is 'we live for others,'" concluded James. "It is our distinct pleasure to be here to help our American neighbors and our fellow service members."

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/.