RCAF Members Arrive in Brazil for Exercise CRUZEX FLIGHT

RCAF Press Release 

8 Wing Trenton

Today, members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) begin participation in CRUZEX FLIGHT 18, a key South American multinational exercise hosted by the Brazilian Air Force.

The RCAF joins its allies and partners from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, France, the United States and Uruguay, as they exercise tactical transport missions in conflict and humanitarian relief scenarios in a combined environment, while exchanging information on doctrine.

Two Royal Canadian Air Force CC-130J Hercules from 436 Transport Squadron arrive in Natal, Brazil, for CRUZEX FLIGHT 18, on November 18, 2018. The key South American exercise brings together air forces from eight allied and partner nations to conduct a wide range of training. PHOTO: Able Seaman Paul Green, TN05-2018-0500-001

Two CC-130J Hercules aircraft and more than 35 members of the RCAF from 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario; 1 Canadian Air Division; and RCAF headquarters will be participating in the exercise from November 18 to 30. The two Hercules are from 436 Transport Squadron. Members of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre will also take part.

In line with Canada’s Defence Policy—Strong, Secure, Engaged—Canada remains committed to working with its allies and partners in the Americas to increase capabilities, foster military professionalization, and encourage interoperability. As such, the RCAF continuously works to nurture and deepen existing partnerships, as well as create new ones. Enhancing defence diplomacy in the Americas serves to strengthen international and regional security, while also supporting continental, NATO and UN led-missions.

“We look forward to our participation in CRUZEX FLIGHT 18,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Andy Bowser, the CRUZEX FLIGHT 18 air task force commander. “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 our partner nations and contributing to capacity building in the region.”

Exercising in unfamiliar environments contributes to the operational readiness of air mobility aircrew and technicians as these personnel may be called upon to fly anywhere in the world to support Canadian Armed Forces operations, including humanitarian relief missions.

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.

The CC-130J is a four-engine, fixed-wing turboprop aircraft that can carry up to 92 combat troops or 128 non-combat passengers. It is used for a wide range of missions, including personnel transport, tactical airlift (both palletized and vehicular cargo) and humanitarian aid delivery.