442 Squadron honoured

442 Transport and Rescue Squadron receive the Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation on July 25. Photos supplied.

Kateryna Bandura,
Lookout Contributor 

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In a testament to their exceptional bravery and skill, on July 25, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron was awarded the prestigious Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation. The honour comes in recognition of their heroic efforts during a dramatic evacuation operation near Agassiz on Nov. 15, 2021.

The squadron, based at 19 Wing Comox, successfully airlifted 311 people, 26 dogs, and one cat who were stranded by unprecedented landslides on Highway 7. This daring rescue showcased the unit’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively in extreme circumstances.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Francois Fasquelle expressed pride in his unit’s achievement.

“This wonderful news was conveyed to the entire squadron at our daily Morning Brief from the 19 Wing Commander and Wing Chief Warrant Officer. All members of the squadron were very surprised and excited about the news,” he said.

The commendation holds special significance for the squadron, as LCol Fasquelle explained, it is the culmination of all the hard work and dedication of each squadron member.

“Every member of 442 Squadron trains diligently to support and execute Search and Rescue operations, and such an achievement is the fruit of our commitment to saving Canadian lives,” he said.

442 Squadron’s primary role is to provide aviation resources in support of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Victoria. Their area of responsibility covers approximately 920,000 square kilometres of mainly mountainous terrain in Yukon and British Columbia, as well as 560,000 square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. This vast and challenging region makes the Victoria Search and Rescue Region the most demanding in the country.

The rescue operation involved three CH-149 Cormorant helicopters, each with a full crew of two pilots, one flight engineer, and two Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs). Additionally, the squadron deployed an on-scene commander, an Air Operations Support (AOS) Technician, and an Imagery Technician to assist on the ground.

The Canadian Forces Unit Commendation includes a gold-embossed scroll, a gold-colored medallion, and a special commemorative flag.

442 Squadron plans to celebrate this achievement during the National SAREX event, which will be held in Comox, Sept. 9-13. This gathering of all Search and Rescue Units from across the nation will provide an ideal platform to showcase the squadron’s accomplishments.

“This is a significant award for the unit, and we are excited to be recognized for doing what we do best: providing Search and Rescue capabilities to the Canadian public and saving lives,” LCol Fasquelle said.

What is a Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation?

www.Canada.ca 

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The Canadian Forces’ Unit Commendation is a group award created to recognize distinguished service by a military unit.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded to any unit or sub-unit, composite formation or other military group of the CF, or to any similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the CF, that has performed a deed or activity considered beyond the demand of normal duty. It may be awarded to winners of competitions only under very exceptional circumstances.

The Commendation includes three elements:

• A gold-embossed scroll inscribed in both official languages with the name of the formation, unit, or sub-unit concerned and an appropriate citation and bearing the signature of the Chief of the Defence Staff;
• a twelve-sided gold coloured medallion, 76 mm across the points, bearing on the obverse the superimposed symbols of the three services: the anchor, the crossed swords, and the flying eagle, topped by the Royal Crown; the whole superimposed on four maple leaves within a raised circle. On the edge of the medallion appear, between branches of laurel leaves, the inscriptions “COMMENDATION” and “MENTION ÉLOGIEUSE”. The reverse displays a wreath of laurel and maple leaves around the perimeter, leaving the center plain to allow the engraving of the unit’s name; and
• a special commemorative flag showing the superimposed symbols of the three services: the anchor, the crossed swords, and the flying eagle, topped by the Royal Crown and surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves on a field (background) consisting of three horizontal and equal stripes of navy blue, red, and light blue. The flag may be flown or openly displayed by recipient units as a public distinction for a period of one year from the date of the presentation of the award. Thereafter, the flag may be kept as an historical artefact and memento of the award.