Canada News
Canadian Armed Forces airlift support to the United Nations for COVID-19 concludes
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The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) airlift support to the United Nations (UN) for their COVID-19 efforts concluded on Friday, July 31, 2020.
From July 23 to 31, 2020, the CAF delivered more than 82,500 kg of vital COVID-19 related supplies to Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Guatemala, and Barbados. Air Detachment-Panama – composed of one CC-177 Globemaster III, crew, and logistics support personnel – operated out of Panamá Pacífico International Airport approximately 40 hours in the air completing these important deliveries across the region. By working closely with regional partners, the CAF members deployed on Operation GLOBE were able to deliver critical humanitarian supplies on behalf of the World Food Programme and World Health Organization, as requested by the UN.
The CAF have a reputation for excellence in the delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and continue to be there for regional Allies and partners. CAF personnel remain ready, at short notice, to deploy quickly in support of civilian efforts to assist in emergency relief operations anywhere in the world when needed and if appropriate.
Quotes
“As part of the government’s continued efforts to support the international response to COVID-19, Canada answered the United Nations’ call to help to maintain vital supply chains to vulnerable countries. Delivering urgently needed medical and humanitarian supplies, at the request of the United Nations, to our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean illustrates our government’s commitment to help to stop the spread of COVID-19. As needs continue to evolve, Canada will remain flexible in its response.”
The Honourable Harjit S.Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“Canada is always ready to answer the call from those who need help the most. This is all the more true during the time of COVID-19. For nearly two weeks, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces have worked tirelessly to transport vital supplies to those in Latin American and Caribbean countries. I congratulate them on their safe and successful operation. In these uncertain times, Canada remains a resolute defender of international cooperation and remains committed to provide humanitarian assistance to those most in need.”
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“The global COVID-19 pandemic will only be overcome with coordinated action with our international partners. This operation is a great example of Canada’s steadfast commitment to leverage the breadth of Canada’s humanitarian assistance toolkit and work alongside our partners in meaningful ways to reach those who need it most. Thank you to the Canadian Armed Forces in the successful delivery of these urgently needed supplies.”
The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development
“Despite the limitations of operating in a COVID-19 environment, we have remained agile and able to conduct successful missions around the world, all while adhering to both domestic and host nation COVID-19 safety requirements. Working alongside our partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, Air Detachment-Panama has successfully contributed to a unified humanitarian effort, while minimizing the risk to the safety of our personnel and the local populations in the region. ”
Lieutenant-General Christopher Coates, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“All members of Air Detachment-Panama are very proud to have the opportunity to conduct missions like Operation GLOBE. Working alongside the World Food Programme, leveraging their hub in Panama, has allowed us to effectively plan and execute COVID-19 relief efforts in the region. It is very rewarding knowing that we are helping to deliver these much needed supplies.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Adam Pentney, Commander Air Detachment-Panama
Quick facts
- The supplies were delivered over approximatively 40 hours of mission flight by a CC-177 Globemaster III aircraft, which provides the CAF with a strategic airlift capability.
- 31 members from from 429 Transport Squadron based at 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., as well as operational support members from 2 Wing Bagotville, Que., were involved in this iteration of Op GLOBE.
- Preventative measures such as isolation prior to departure, physical distancing, wearing personal protective equipment and proper hygiene were observed during this iteration of Op GLOBE.
