Members of North Bay-based 22 Wing participates 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.

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"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.