The Navy’s centennial logo on the tail of a CP-140 Aurora. Credit: Sgt Eileen Redding.
RIMPAC, a biennial multi-national exercise taking place in the Hawaiian operating area from June 26 to Aug 1, is designed to improve interoperability and understanding between military forces from nations with an interest in the Pacific Rim.
As part of the Canadian Forces contribution to the exercise, the squadron deployed aircrew and maintenance personnel to Hawaii where they will exercise their patrol, surveillance and detection skills over land and sea with a variety of nations and assets.
“RIMPAC is the largest naval exercise in the world, and the sheer variety of targets and cooperating units makes it one of the best training environments out there,” said Major Brent Vaino, detachment commander for the exercise. “From amphibious assault support to anti-submarine warfare, nowhere else on Earth can you fly such a wide array of missions in such a condensed environment.”
The deployment also has a unique significance for 407 Squadron. “2010 is the 100th birthday of the Canadian Navy and we are proud to commemorate our own naval aviation history by showcasing the Naval Centennial logo on our tail fins,” said Maj Vaino. “I’m looking forward to working side-by-side once again with our sister service, and showing the world what we’re made of.”
Born as a bomber squadron in 1941, 407 Squadron was reactivated in 1952 to be a maritime squadron providing anti-submarine warfare capability, enabling the protection of Canada’s vast coastline and territorial waters. Many years have passed and the aircraft, like technology, have changed, but 407 Squadron crews maintain maritime warfare capabilities. Now, the CP-140 Aurora provides a very versatile platform to perform roles that include anti-submarine warfare, surveillance over land and sea, and reconnaissance.
RIMPAC 2010 will involve forces from Australia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
