Monthly Archive: June 2019

Chintex 2019

by Eric Cline

CHINTEX 2019

The Northwestern Ontario Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA Thunder Bay) had a role in CHINTHEX 2019 – May 06 -10. For the second consecutive year 435SQN based in Winnipeg, MB held its spring training exercise (CHINTHEX) in Thunder Bay and area. NOASARA members had many unique opportunities to participate in various activities ranging from flying intercepts, spotting from one of many CC130 Hercules, and portraying casualties for the MAJAID. New and returning members alike were impressed with the variety of airborne taskings – spotting during an intercept, assisting a disabled boat, and spotting and assisting in the dropping of nine SARtechs and Rescue Jumpers for the MAJAID. Each event offered some new experiences and provided new and updated skills and tips. Participation in events such as this helps update skills and increase our interagency operability. Regrettably this year NOASARA was the only CASARA unit involved as many of the Prairie and Northern units found the travel time too long.

Also participating in the event were air and support crews from 435SQN (Winnipeg) with 2 CC130, 424SQN (Trenton) with 1 CC130, 439SQN (Bagottville) with a CH-146 Griffon, and from south of the border; USGC Traverse City MI with a JayHawk helicopter, USAF 39 Rescue SQN (Florida) with a C130 and 304 Rescue SQN (Portland Oregon) with para-rescue jumpers. Additional participation came from CF SkyHawks demonstration team, and Ornge.

Working alongside and around all these rescue professionals, many great connections were made and skills improved. This high profile event has also helped with member recruitment. NOASARA looks forward to working with these groups in the future. 

A Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technician parachutes to a simulated plane crash during CHINTHEX near Thunder Bay, Ontario on May 8th, 2019. Photo by Cpl Bryce Cooper, 17 Wing Imaging
Air Search and Rescue Association member, Bobbi Fisher searches for simulated casualties on a CC-130 Hercules aircraft during CHINTHEX near Thunder Bay, Ontario on May 8th, 2019. Photo by Cpl Bryce Cooper, 17 Wing Imaging
United States Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Para Jumpers and Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technicians carry a simulated casualties on a litter during CHINTHEX near Thunder Bay, Ontario on May 7th, 2019. Photo by Cpl Bryce Cooper, 17 Wing Imaging

CASARA Ontario AGM

CASARA ONTARIO AGM JUNE 7TH TO JUNE 9TH, 2019.

Sudbury wins the team award for 2019
Cheryl Kuss wins the Individual award for 2019. Her husband Dan has graciously accepted it on her behalf.

CASARA Ontario AGM

From Friday afternoon June 7th to Sunday morning June 9th the Ontario Executive has been busy digesting the past year and planning for the year ahead at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Center in London, Ontario. The business of SAR is very similar to any other corporation. Once a year the zone directors, executive, officers, our OPP liaison and our military gather for two days of intense meetings and collaboration all designed to support our members.