More than 35 personnel from 8 Wing Trenton and two Hercules aircraft began a multinational exercise in Brazil yesterday.
The RCAF will be joining allies from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, France, the United States and Uruguay in CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 where they will participate in tactical transport missions in conflict and humanitarian relief scenarios.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Bowser, the CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 Air Task Force Commander, says in addition to flying tactical missions, the Air Task Force members will also engage in academic discussions regarding Peace Support Operations, thereby building relationships with partner nations and contributing to capacity building in the region.
This training mission runs until November 30.
Members of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre will also take part.
Defence diplomacy in the Americas is a key initiative of Strong, Secure, Engaged, and Brazil is one of the Government of Canada’s priorities for engagement in the Western Hemisphere.
The RCAF has had a bilateral relationship with the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) since 2009 and conducts biennial Deputy Commander-level staff talks.
Participation in CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 demonstrates Canadian commitment to the Americas and provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in areas such as capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and support for other government departments in their efforts to counter the illegal movement of drugs, people, weapons, money and other transnational organized crime activity.
