| CAF 442 Squadron is responsible
for a search and rescue zone that stretches from the the B.C.-Washington
border to the arctic, from the Rocky Mountains to 100 miles out in the
Pacific Ocean. Although this is by no means the largest SAR area in Canada,
it is the busiest. The mild West Coast climate allows year-round opportunities
for hiking, mountain climbing, boating and aviation. These are also opportunities
for people to get lost. SAR operations are directed by the Rescue Coordination
Centre in Esquimalt, which must determine the resources needed for a rescue
operation and then task accordingly. Five Buffalo aircraft and 4 Labrador
helicopters are used by 442 to assist in these operations. They based at
Comox CFB is located on Vancouver Island, 240 kms north of Victoria. My
thanks to Rudy Preus who took these photos in March, 2000. |
