CAF Troops Simulate attack on Goose Bay Airport

By: David Pugliese, Defence Watch 

Around 600 soldiers from the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Valcartier, Quebec, are taking part in CASTOR BORÉAL, a winter warfare training exercise at 5 Wing Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. The exercise started on Feb. 10 and runs until Feb. 18.

During the training, the troops will test their ability to defend a strategic site and a major attack and defence simulation will take place at the Goose Bay Airport, the Canadian Forces noted in a news release. Soldiers representing “enemy troops” will parachute in, and friendly troops will take position to defend the airport in order to maintain operations, the military noted.

The exercise will also include joint operations with the Canadian Rangers and officers from the Polish Army.

Air support includes:
One CH-146 Griffon helicopter from the 444th Combat Support Squadron
One CH-146 Griffon helicopter from the 430th Tactical Helicopter Squadron
One CC-130 Hercules aircraft from the 436th Transport Squadron
One CC-150 Polaris aircraft from the 437th Transport Squadron