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
BREAKING Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, who helped the provincial NDP return to power after 16 years on the sidelines, has died.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
What consumers need to know if Canada Post workers strike ahead of a busy holiday season
Canada's postal workers could walk off the job or the company could lock them out as soon as 12:01 a.m. ET Friday if the union and the company don't reach an agreement. Here are tips for shoppers and businesses.
Ottawa high school principal apologizes for song played during Remembrance Day assembly
The principal of an Ottawa high school is apologizing to students, parents and guardians after an Arabic-language song was played during the school's Remembrance Day service. The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is conducting a "thorough investigation" to ensure it "is addressed appropriately and meaningfully."
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
Bev Priestman out at Canada Soccer in wake of Olympic drone-spying scandal
Bev Priestman is out as coach of the Canadian women's soccer team in the wake of an independent report into the Olympic drone-spying scandal.
Trump picks former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel
President-elect Donald Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel, Trump announced Tuesday.