Military helicopter ride was 'like driving in a luxury vehicle'

Cadets experience flight in a Chinook chopper

Captain Frances Ogilvie, Public Affairs Officer- Regional Cadet Support Unit (Northwest) Dec 9, 2024 4:13 PM

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1 / 1 Cadet Cpl. Jake Otokiak is seated in flight on a Chinook helicopter on Oct. 1.Corporal Guillermo Bonilla, Imagery Technician, Canadian Armed Forces.

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Cpl. Jake Otokiak, of the 3004 The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC), participated in a CH-147 Chinook helicopter ride provided by 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Cambridge Bay on Oct. 1.

The unique experience was offered by 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron during Operation Nanook, the Canadian Armed ForcesSA国际影视传媒� annual Northern operation across Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Labrador. The CH-147 Chinook helicopter is used by the Canadian Armed Forces to transport equipment and personnel during domestic and deployed operations.

Capt. Christopher Kalluk, commanding officer of 3004 RCACC, shared how the helicopter ride has been a highlight of training this year.

SA国际影视传媒淥nce we were in the helicopter, you would think that it would be loud and bumpy, but it was quiet and smooth, like driving in a luxury vehicle,SA国际影视传媒� Kalluk said. SA国际影视传媒淲hen in the air, the door would open so we could see land features. I liked this because I could see areas that I hunt in and areas where the corps does field training exercises.SA国际影视传媒�

Since the pandemic, 3004 RCACC has seen many senior cadets leave the local cadet program, and there were a few years where no in-person training occurred. Having returned to training for a few years now, Kalluk is SA国际影视传媒渆xcited to see the junior cadets develop into leaders and take on peer instruction. They are doing the leg work to run activities.SA国际影视传媒�

3004 RCACC is looking for local adults who are interested in providing support to the cadet corps and enrolling in the Canadian Armed Forces as a cadet instructor cadre officer. No previous military or cadet experience is required.

The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 and provides youth opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime, including teamwork and communication. Youth who are interested in joining the cadet program can do so by visiting Join the Cadet Program - Canada.ca or emailing 3004army@cadets.gc.ca.

-Capt. Frances Ogilvie is the public affairs officer, regional cadet support unit (Northwest)