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Canadian Forces assists in hurricane evacuation

  • Published
Canadian Forces deployed three aircraft in support of Air Forces Northern humanitarian efforts during Hurricane Gustav.

A CC-177 Globemaster from Trenton, Ontario, deployed to New Orleans to assist in the evacuation of people from hospitals and rest homes in the path of the major storm.

Two CC-130 Hercules aircraft deployed from 14 Wing, Greenwood, N.S. and 17 Wing, Winnipeg, to Pensacola, Fla., to assist with search and rescue operations in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.

"We are always willing to help and are happy to do so -- the same way the Americans would help us," said Brig. Gen. André Viens, deputy commander of the Continental United States NORAD Region here. "We take great pride in working shoulder-to-shoulder to save lives."

Lt. Col. Stephen Flanagan, an Air Forces North Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, deployed to Lakefront Airport to assist in the evacuation of people from hospitals and nursing homes.

"The first gusts of wind came in as the last planes were taking off," said Colonel Flanagan, who was on the runway until the airport closed at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Air Forces Northern and U.S. Northern Command work closely with Canada, an important mission partner, to provide search and rescue assistance, expedited by the recently signed Civil Assistance Plan.

"The Canadians volunteered one of their C-17s to facilitate the evacuation, which demonstrates a true unity of effort with our international partners," said Colonel Flanagan. "Without their participation, our mission would not have been as successful as it was."

For more information, please contact AFNORTH Public Affairs at 850-283-8657, 850-283-5226 or e-mail afnorthpa@tyndall.af.mil.