Keep an eye out: Chance to see group of combat helicopters flying to Alaska for training event

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Peace communities may get the opportunity to see a group of military helicopters travelling overhead as part of a multinational combat training event. 

The Royal Canadian Air Force shared a public service announcement on January 22nd to spread awareness about the upcoming transit of the CH-146 Griffon helicopters between January 26th and January 28th. 

The announcement said six helicopters from the Tactical Helicopter Squadron will fly from Edmonton, Alberta to Fort Wainwright, Alaska. 

The aircraft will be participating in exercise Striking Bat, which is a large-scale, multinational combat training event. 

This exercise was designed to prepare military forces for operations in arctic and sub-arctic environments. 

Sub-Lieutenant Meagan Pye, public affairs officer for the 1 Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force, told Energeticcity.ca: “The route is subject to change due to weather conditions and other variables. 

“I can not confirm the exact communities that the Tactical Air Detachment will take to get to Alaska.” 

However, Pye said it is possible the helicopters will transit over Fort St. John, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek or Fort Nelson on their route.

The exercise is then scheduled to take place at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center in Alaska. 

These exercises will focus on realistic training replicating large-scale combat conditions and involve 1 Wing personnel working with partners from the United States, Norway, Italy and Mongolia. 

The announcement asks residents to expect unfamiliar noise due to flight activities. 

It reminds people that Royal Canadian Air Force flights are meticulously planned and closely monitored to ensure public safety and these operations rely closely on weather and flying conditions. 

In July last year, the largest aircraft in the Canadian Air Force landed in Fort St. John, and hundreds of people came to the North Peace Regional Airport to witness the landing.