Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CH-146 Griffon helicopters, aircrews and support personnel from 439 Domestic Response Squadron will conduct exercise BENGAL ALPIN 26 in Cranbrook, from September 7 to 25.

Two helicopters will be based in Canadian Rockies International Airport during the exercise, and will be flying as far north as Invermere, Golden, and their surrounding areas.

Exercise BENGAL ALPIN 26 is part of 439 Domestic Response Squadron’s training regime to ensure operational readiness, which includes operating in a mountain environment.

Mountain flying presents a variety of challenges for helicopter operations, and it is crucial that crews receive regular training to ensure they can conduct mountain operations safely and effectively.

Communities in Cranbrook, Invermere, and Golden can expect to see and hear helicopters flying throughout the region. The Squadron will do everything possible to reduce their impact on communities while completing this essential training.

Part of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 3 Wing and based at Canadian Forces Base Bagotville, in Quebec, 439 Domestic Response Squadron is equipped with CH-146 Griffon helicopters and has the principal role to support disaster response and other domestic operations such as operation LENTUS.

Lead image: The CH-146 Griffon utility tactical-transport helicopter supports the tactical transportation of troops and materiel as well as search and rescue operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, training, casualty evacuations and counter-drug operations. Department of National Defence photo

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