Partnering for success

A year ago, the Manley Report recommended that Canada’s mission in Afghanistan be extended until 2011 provided three conditions were met. One of these was that Canada acquire a new medium-lift helicopter capability by February 2009, just over a year away.

Previously, Canada had shared helicopter airlift resources with NATO allies, calling upon available assets when needed. Acquiring a medium lift capability was in the longer term plan, with 16 Chinook F-model helicopters expected to be delivered in late 2011or early 2012. But to realize this capability within a one year timeframe seemed mission impossible. Canada approached the US Government who responded whole-heartedly. From the initial meeting in the Canadian Embassy in February 2008, the commitment of the men and women of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the US Army to help the Canadian Forces initiate Chinook operations was remarkable. On December 30, six Chinooks D-models were handed over in theatre to the Canadian contingent.

Recognizing that many involved in this project provided extra hours and efforts beyond the call of duty, PWGSC, DFAIT and DND took the time to thank some of the key contributors, at every level, who made this acquisition possible.

Members of DND, DOD, the US Army and US government contractors gathered at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. on 15 January for a Program Management meeting and were recognized for their participation in the project. Realizing this milestone was no mundane task. Many of the participants had to take time away from their families, some spending the holidays in Afghanistan, and all needed to devote their utmost energy and creativity to completing the task.

“From a personal perspective, I've never seen a project unfold with such efficiency and effectiveness and this is due to your exceptional dedication and teamwork”, said Jennifer Stewart, Director General of the Defence Procurement Program at the Canadian Embassy, during the event. Citing the words of one of the project team, “From the first meeting where everyone had their own agenda to coming together like a big jigsaw puzzle, you created the synergy that made this program a success.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Gagnon, Commander of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF-Afg) Air Wing, and U.S. Army Captain Ron Smith, Commander of Bravo Company, 6th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade from Bagram Air Base, stand in front of their staff and one of the first Canadian Chinook transferred from the United States Army to the Canadian Forces. The Chinooks were part of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade in Afghanistan and have been transferred into theatre to JTF-Afg.