Multi-squadron coalition keeps the Griffons flying in Port-au-Prince

Published On Tue Mar 02 2010

By Captain Alex Munoz

Aircraft maintenance technicians from 403 Squadron, 430 Squadron, 438 Squadron and 444 Squadron form up for a picture beside the runway at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

Aircraft maintenance technicians from 403 Squadron, 430 Squadron, 438 Squadron and 444 Squadron form up for a picture beside the runway at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

To help ensure delivery of international humanitarian aid after the earthquake of 12 January, Canada sent six CH-146 Griffon helicopters to Haiti with the Joint Task Force. This deployment required the Air Force to draw on the personnel of 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron in Gagetown, 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Valcartier, 438 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in St-Hubert and 444 Combat Support Squadron in Goose Bay.

The aircraft maintenance team based at Port-au-Prince arrived on 18 January and immediately dove into the task of keeping the helicopters ready to fly. A particularly high level of maintenance is required, as the aircraft are used for missions ranging from medevac to transport — cargo and passengers, including military personnel and evacuated Canadian and American citizens — to tactical support and reconnaissance.

“Since we got here, the workload has been remarkable. They put in a lot of flying hours during the first three weeks, so the aircraft needed a lot of maintenance hours,” said Master Corporal Scott Macinnis of 403 Squadron.

Most of a mechanic’s work consists of repairs and preventive maintenance on the helicopters, and members of the maintenance unit do all they can, and handle other tasks as well. “When aircraft come in from Jamaica, we get asked to load the helicopters with food for distribution in areas far away from Port-au-Prince,” said Cpl Richard Blais, also of Gagetown.

Aircraft maintenance technicians in Port-au-Prince have a tough job, but this team maintains a high morale. All of them are very proud of their contribution in Haiti. Focussing on the funny side of life, when someone makes a gaffe like losing keys or missing dinner, they call it a “Johnny”, in honour of Private Jonathan Grenier of 403 Squadron, who commits most of them.

The Port-au-Prince air maintenance team is a solid outfit. They keep their aircraft in top shape so the flight crews can accomplish their missions, and help the people of Haiti.