Members of North Bay-based 22 Wing participate in NATO air defense exercises in Greece
For the last few weeks, fighter jets have been spotted soaring over Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, part of the ‘Ramstein Flag 24’ that includes military personnel from 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay.
Ramstein Flag 24 is a nearly two-week military training exercise where Canada and its allies work together to prepare for current and emerging threats around the world.
Ramstein Flag 24 is a nearly two-week military training exercise where Canada and its allies work together to prepare for current and emerging threats around the world. (Photos courtesy of NATO)
"We started conducting air operations, both air-to-air and air-to-ground, using ground operations and ships," said Major Gareth Carter, the Canadian Task Force Commander.
In total, 10 members of 22 Wing/CFB are taking part, including aerospace control officers and operators. Crew members are working with an air-to-air refueling plane that is part of a Canadian contingent overseas for the training exercise.
"We had an exercise today where we had over 50 jets in the air," said Master Corp. Kory Clermont.
"I’m learning so much ... Our controllers are exactly what they sound like. They’re controlling the Greek F-16s and our duties as weapons assistants is to manage the airspace."
Ramstein Flag 24 is a nearly two-week military training exercise where Canada and its allies work together to prepare for current and emerging threats around the world. (Photos courtesy of NATO)
Ramstein Flag 24 is a nearly two-week military training exercise where Canada and its allies work together to prepare for current and emerging threats around the world. (Photos courtesy of NATO)
The training comes at a time when global tensions have escalated. War drags on between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.
Carter said each participating country is testing their capabilities and strategies at a time when it’s important to be prepared.
"Where there is an initial some form of aggression, NATO sits back and says, OK, let's get together as a team and then we will start planning operations," Carter said.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is partnering with a dozen other NATO allies, including Greece, the United States, Great Britain and France.
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
"Everybody brings together these assets and we’re learning how to operate together and get stronger together," Carter said.
"It gives us the chance to interact with countries that we don't normally work with."
Carter said the military exercise is being run under the NATO Flag.
The training started Sept. 30 and concludes Oct. 11. and this exercise is meant to display the preservation and promotion of global peace through strength and unity.
"This has been an unbelievable experience," Clermont added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Canada will be absolutely fine': Justin Trudeau, his ministers and Pierre Poilievre congratulate Donald Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of his cabinet congratulated Donald Trump Wednesday morning on his second United States presidential election win, amid questions about how the federal government intends to navigate a second term.
What Donald Trump's election victory could mean for Canada
Following president-elect Donald Trump's decisive election victory, there are sure to be significant knock-on effects for Canada. Here's a look at the different areas in which a second Trump presidency may affect Canadians.
Kamala Harris concedes: Here's what she said in her speech
Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris conceded the U.S. election to Republican Donald Trump Wednesday afternoon, telling her supporters that her 'heart is full.'
Canada orders wind up of TikTok's Canadian business, app access to continue
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok's Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Newfoundland hockey player suspended, banned from local arena after off-ice fight with fan
A combination of a thrown stick and thrown punches have given a senior hockey player in Newfoundland a three-game suspension and an indefinite ban from one of his league's six arenas.
Controversial Australian Olympic breakdancer 'Raygun' retires from competition
Australian breaker Rachael Gunn has told a Sydney radio station that she plans to retire from competition just three months after her unconventional routine at the Paris Olympics led to her being ridiculed and spawned conspiracy theories about how she qualified for the Games.
Sleepy during the day? You may be at higher risk for a pre-dementia syndrome, study finds
If you find yourself sleepy during your daily activities in your older age, you may need to consider it more than an inconvenience — since the fatigue may indicate you’re at higher risk for developing a condition that can lead to dementia, a new study has found.
Kamala Harris made a historic dash for the White House. Here's why she fell short.
"Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn't mean we won't win," U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday in her concession speech.
Who won the popular vote? U.S. election vote totals from the past 40 years
Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency on Tuesday, and as of Wednesday morning, was also ahead in the popular vote. Historically, though, the candidate with the most votes hasn’t always won the contest.