Chinooks make their debut in Afghanistan

Capt Dean Menard
Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — With handshakes over signed documents, the transfer of six D-model Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from the U.S. Army to the Canadian Forces was completed on Dec. 30, 2008. Already boasting Canadian colours, the helicopters are now on the inventory of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing. They will soon be flying in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in southern Afghanistan.

“The addition of six Chinook D-model helicopters will enhance air capabilities in Afghanistan, and will provide better protection for Canadians, coalition partners and Afghans while we work together to rebuild Afghanistan,” said LCol Roger Gagnon of the Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan. “The Chinook aircraft will provide increased flexibility and help to reduce ground movement and help us to better accomplish the mission.”

U.S. Capt Ron Smith of Bravo Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade from Bagram Air Base led the delivery mission. “Our Chinooks are just like our soldiers,” he said when asked how he felt about seeing the aircraft leave U.S. service. “They fight hard and give all they have. When the mission is over, some will take off one unit patch, put on another, and fight with their new team as if they were family. They will do well for Canada. The Chinook is an excellent helicopter!”

On Dec. 27, 2008 (during the handover period) the new helicopters took a leading role in a major VIP visit. It was the first hosted by the Air Wing. BGen Denis Thompson, Commander of Task Force Kandahar, hosted Peter MacKay, the Minister of National Defence and General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff.

They conducted a detailed tour of the Wing’s facilities and participated in a town hall meeting with the assembled personnel. Afterward, the visitors flew in a Chinook over Kandahar Airfield. It was the first time since 1991 that a Chinook helicopter with a CF crew had carried passengers.

The need for more helicopters for in-theatre operations was identified soon after the Canadian mission in Afghanistan moved from Kabul to Kandahar. Until now, the Canadian Task Force has used the pooled helicopter assets of NATO and coalition partners. This arrangement met Task Force Kandahar’s most basic needs, but the pool has never had enough helicopters to fulfill all requirements.

“We are all ecstatic about the arrival of the Chinook,” said Sgt Bob Patten, a Chinook maintenance crew chief from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton. “We are glad to see them here. They will help get some of the boys off the roads, and hopefully save lives.”

The acquisition of the six CH-147 Chinook D helicopters was a key recommendation of the Manley Report and a condition of the Parliamentary motion that extended Canadian Forces operations in Afghanistan until 2011.

Photos by Capt Dean Menard, Joint Task Force Afghanistan Air Wing