It was an epic undertaking not seen for 9 years. Almost 200 personnel from 4 military branches, 2 countries, 24 units, and 12 aircraft successfully completed 79 National SAREX sorties over the course of the exercise.
Crews and personnel from the RCAF, USCG, US Navy and civilian search and rescue agencies participated in realistic and challenging simulated SAR missions that took them to confined landing spaces on glaciers, high-altitude mountain lakes and remote confined landing zones. The RCAF National SAREX culminated in a dramatic mass-casualty exercise that involved each unit working together and employing the lessons and teamwork honed throughout the week.
Participating Aircraft Types
CH-149 Cormorant
CH-146 Griffon
CC-130H Hercules
CC-130J Hercules
HC-130J Super Hercules
C-27J Spartan
MH-60S Knighthawk*
MH-65E Dolphin
*While the official Department of Defense name for the MH-60S is the Seahawk, it is unofficially known as the "Sierra" or Knighthawk, as a reference to the venerable CH-46 Sea Knight that preceded it.