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
Former finance minister Bill Morneau questions if it's the 'right time' for emissions cap following Trump re-election
Following the re-election of former U.S. president Donald Trump, former finance minister Bill Morneau says the Canadian government should re-evaluate the timing of some cornerstone Liberal policies.
Candlelight vigil held for Cobalt teen recovering in hospital after being attacked, ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.
Kitchener, Ont. teen facing 29 charges after serious threats made against schools, businesses and people
A 15-year-old boy from Kitchener, Ont. is facing a long list of criminal charges as the Waterloo Regional Police Service wraps up a lengthy swatting investigation.
Canada cancels automatic 10-year multiple-entry visas, tightens rules
Canada has announced changes to their visitor visa policies, effectively ending the automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas, according to new rules outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Tornado touched down Sunday in Fergus, Ont., experts confirm
A team of tornado experts are investigating a path of damage through Wellington County.
Man who allegedly staged bear attack arrested for murder in stolen identity scheme
A man accused of killing a person and staging it as a fatal bear attack in Tennessee was taken into custody in South Carolina over the weekend on murder charges, in what authorities described as a plot to steal the victim’s identity.
Alien-like signal from 2023 has been decoded. The next step is to figure out what it means
If Earth's astronomical observatories were to pick up a signal from outer space, it would need an all-hands-on-deck effort to decipher the extraterrestrial message. A father-daughter team of citizen scientists recently deciphered the message. Its meaning, however, remains a mystery.
'I get goosebumps': Canadians across the country mark Remembrance Day
Across Canada, dignitaries marked Remembrance Day by laying wreaths at ceremonies, school children sang in the late fall chill and veterans recalled the horrors of battle.
Biden and Harris appear together for the first time since she lost the election to Trump
U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris on Monday made their first joint appearance since her U.S. selection loss when they observed Veterans Day together by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.