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Two CC-130J Hercules aircraft and over 40 members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from 8 Wing Trenton, 3 Wing Bagotville, and 1 Canadian Air Division, as well as the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) and the 3rd Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR) will be participating in CRUZEX FLIGHT 13, a key Latin American multinational exercise, from Nov. 2-15, 2013 in Natal, Brazil.
“We are honoured to have been invited to participate in this premiere multinational training event,” said Colonel David Lowthian, Commander of 8 Wing Trenton. “Our participation in CRUZEX FLIGHT 13 fosters a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect between partner nations.”
Eight allied countries are participating in this year’s exercise: Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, U.S.A., and Venezuela.
During CRUZEX FLIGHT 13, the RCAF will have the opportunity to exercise transport missions in conventional war scenarios in a combined environment, exchange doctrinal procedures, and upgrade training levels of aerial units participating. The CC-130J will be used as a transport platform to parachute United States Air Force and Brazilian Air Force members into a robust tactical environment, demonstrating the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation.
“In this exercise, our team will be able to validate our knowledge and skills in a combined, robust training environment,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Goulden, Commanding Officer of 436 (Transport) Squadron and RCAF Detachment Commander. “Exercises such as CRUZEX FLIGHT 13 are valuable as we get to work with our allies under realistic training scenarios, exchange best practices, and learn how we can better operate with other nations’ militaries.”
In addition to flying tactical missions, the CC130 J model Hercules crew will also engage in academic discussions regarding the use of Night Vision Goggles, building relationships with partner nations.
