RCAF to continue United Nations support out of Uganda in 2021

News Article / November 16, 2020

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By Master Warrant Officer Dominic Allard

As part of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations (UN), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) committed for another year to support the UN Cross Mission Logistics Operations out of Entebbe Support Base, Uganda.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is providing a CC-130J Hercules from 436 Transport Squadron, a world-class Tactical Airlift unit based out of 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. This Tactical Airlift Detachment (TAL Det) brought together CAF members from different wings, bases, and units from across Eastern Canada which created an effective, collaborative and professional working environment. The team demonstrated remarkable cohesion and professionalism throughout the episodic deployment. The hard-working crew excelled through their agility and flexibility, adapting to the differences between the UN and RCAF operations, to get the job done. Aligned with the 2 Wing expeditionary concept, a small but well-equipped headquarters was stood up for the duration of the operation.

The members quickly got to work, enabling expeditious flying operations. The TAL Det transported an impressive 200,000 lbs of cargo, including UN armoured vehicles, and 200 passengers during the three week flying period in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The TAL Det construct was drawn from the RCAF doctrine, and then scaled down from the Air Task Force concept. It has already proven its efficiency on several rotations in support of Op Presence Uganda and UN missions since April 1, 2019.

The RCAF has operated safely in a COVID-19 environment. Despite some challenges including 14-day quarantines before and after the mission, the detachment members adapted well, maintaining operations while adhering to CAF and local health safety precautions.

Master Warrant Officer Dominic Allard is the Senior Warrant Officer of the Air Detachment deployed on Operation Presence in Uganda.