2 Wing prepared the terrain for OP REASSURANCE

In order to prepare the terrain for the reactivation of Operation REASSURANCE, a contingent of approximately 65 members from 2 Wing Bagotville flew to Romania on July 10.

This is the Air Force Activation Surge Team, or AFAST, a unit of 2 Wing. Nearly 90 soldiers are going to Romania to prepare for the arrival of the Air Task Force (ATF). ATF-Romania is the air component of Operation REASSURANCE, which represents Canada's contribution to NATO's appeasement and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.

2 Wing Commander Colonel Carol Potvin explains that this deployment is part of 2 Wing's mission, which is to optimize the expeditionary capacity of the Royal Canadian Air Force by providing tailored, rapid and effective support. , during Canadian deployments around the world. “In this case,” he said, “the Airfield Activation Team will prepare the camp that will receive the CF-18s at the end of the month. I have complete confidence that our team will be able to respond with expertise and professionalism to the many challenges that will come their way. »

Lieutenant-Colonel Brent Maurice, who is the Commander of the Airfield Activation Team in Romania, has already participated in four overseas deployments. An experienced logistician, he explains that this mission involves different challenges compared to what he has already experienced in an operational theatre. “Each time I deployed,” he says, “my group had to report to Canadian soldiers, so there were similarities. This time we are replacing a contingent from the UK, we will need more coordination to prepare the ground for the CF-18s. »

Even though he has just arrived in post, LCol Maurice is confident to meet this challenge in the time required. “I joined 2 Wing two weeks ago, but the planning started a few months ago with the soldiers from Bagotville and those who are in Romania. Once in Romania, the military will be at work quickly.”