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The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has completed the first of its bi-annual operations to deliver fuel and supplies to Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Alert.
For two weeks each spring and fall, the RCAF conducts Operation BOXTOP to resupply CFS Alert, the most northern permanently inhabited settlement in the world. Maintaining an active year-round presence in the High Arctic ensures Canadian sovereignty in the region while supporting military communication and scientific research.
During Operation BOXTOP, 26 flights delivered 26 626 kilograms of cargo and approximately one million litres of fuel using a CC-177 Globemaster III from 429 (Transport) Squadron and two CC-130J Hercules from 436 (Transport) Squadron, all from 8 Wing Trenton. In addition to the two flying squadrons involved, two other units from 8 Wing also assisted in the operation: 2 Air Movements Squadron handled all airlift traffic, including passengers and freight, whereas 8 Air Communication and Control Squadron exercised airfield control.
Quick Facts
- Operation BOXTOP was conducted from April 9 to 25.
- CFS Alert, a unit of 8 Wing Trenton, is the most northern permanently inhabited settlement in the world, situated on the north eastern tip of Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
- CFS Alert promotes sovereignty by supporting military communication and scientific research conducted by other governmental departments.
- United States Air Force Base Thule, in Greenland, is a staging point where spring operations focus on delivering fuel, while fall operations aim to deliver dry goods and construction materials. Distribution of food and other materials required for daily operations are managed throughout the year.
- Station operations are conducted in a manner that respects the environment, preserving it for future generations.
