Page 87 - Air Forces Monthly - September 2017

The most recent Royal Canadian Air Force
deployment to Iceland was executed as part
of Operation Reassurance, continuing work
previously performed under Operation Ignition in
2011 and 2013.
included introducing the Link 16 data- control personnel worked hand-in-hand with whether it’s operational or training – that’s
link system, an electronic warfare suite ICG members at the Control and Reporting the best part about being a fighter pilot.
upgrade and integrating the Joint Helmet- Centre at Keflavík and we could not execute It is a privilege to command and fly the
Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). The this aspect of our mission without their local CF-188 Hornet but it is always the personnel
final upgraded Hornet under the second expertise and knowledge. We are proud that I serve with, their commitment and
phase was delivered in March 2010. and thankful to have worked alongside such sacrifice that impresses me the most.”
professionals and are happy to support
Successful deployment safety and security measures in the skies Upcoming deployments
ATF-Iceland concluded on June 19 when the of an important NATO ally. The people The next NATO fighter deployment to
six CF-188s and most support personnel of Keflavík have also warmly welcomed Iceland is due to take place in September
headed home. “Quite honestly, the most us and our members have enjoyed the and will involve a yet to be announced
challenging part was the short duration of exceptional hospitality shown to them USAF or USAFE unit. Following the mission
the mission,” said Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) throughout Iceland. We were also able to to Iceland, aircraft and personnel from 4
William Mitchell, commander of both 433 play some ice hockey games against local Wing at CFB Cold Lake are scheduled to
Squadron and ATF-Iceland. “It is extremely teams, hosted visits for a local flying school deploy to Romania in September, also as
challenging to plan for, deploy, sustain and took part in the Reykjavík Air Show part of Operation Reassurance. “These Air
and redeploy over such a short period, as with a CF-188 static display on June 3.” Task Force deployments aim to conduct
normal operational deployments would In total ATF-Iceland conducted 270 CF-188 periodic surveillance and air policing
typically extend to six months or more. flying hours during 172 sorties. Although operations in NATO areas of responsibility,
There is a significant amount of logistical no ‘hostile’ aircraft were intercepted, and participate in joint training activities
pieces that need to be detailed and thought LCol Mitchell looked back on a successful with other nations,” LCol Mitchell concluded.
through in order to make this a success deployment: “After flying the Hornet for 12 “The Romanian Air Force retains primacy
since time is not a luxury that we have.” years and five operational tours including in response to any incursion in their
LCol Mitchell began flying at the age of combat, all missions are unique and exciting airspace. Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188s
14 in the Cessna 172, enrolled at Mount in their own way. Every mission is different, will support them when required.” AFM
Royal University in Calgary, Alberta under its
Business Aviation Program and graduated
with a commercial IFR rating. From there
he joined the RCAF and amassed 190 flying
hours on the Cessna 172, followed by 150
hours on the CT-156 Harvard II, and 150
hours with 410 Tactical Fighter (Operational
Training) Squadron on the CT-155 Hawk. He
has now amassed 2,205 hours on the CF-188.
LCol Mitchell praised the good co-operation
with the Icelandic Coast Guard and people
of Iceland: “Members of Air Task Force-
Iceland have interacted considerably
with the Icelandic Coast Guard from an
aerospace control perspective, as well as for
logistical support for operations at Keflavík.
Additionally, the ATF relies on the ICG for
search and rescue response in the event of
an aircraft emergency in remote locations
in Iceland or offshore. Our co-operation
with the ICG has been tremendous and
their members have been of great help Above: A two-ship of CF-188s breaks away over the volcanic landscape of Iceland. The CF-188 has
enabling our operations. Our aerospace undergone an intensive upgrade over the last decade to keep it flying until at least 2025.

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