United States 2005-2

International Information

International Operation Name: United States 2005-2

International Mission Name: United States 2005-2

Mandating Organization: Government of Canada

Region Name: North America

Location: United States

Mission Date: 3 September 2005 - 12 September 2005

Mission Mandate: To provide search and rescue support to the United States Coast Guard

Mission/Operation Notes: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) was overwhelmed with calls for rescue and other Coast Guard services. By 31 August, there were over 2700 calls for assistance in Louisiana and Mississippi alone. Coast Guard ships and aircraft were pulled from other areas to handle this crisis.

Five of the six H-60 Jayhawk helicopters stationed at the Cape Cod Air Station, Maine which covered the Boston Search and Rescue area, were deployed to the southern United States to assist in rescue efforts. This left a shortage of helicopters for the busy Labour Day long weekend, which had historically been the busiest of the year.

Canadian Forces (CF) Information (United States 2005-2)

CF Mission/Operation Notes: In response to a request from the United States Coast Guard, the Canadian Air Force deployed two CH-146 Griffon helicopters, configured for search and rescue, to the Cape Cod Air Station. One Griffon was from 444 Combat Support (CS) Squadron at 5 Wing Goose Bay and the second from 439 CS Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville. The helicopters were deployed from 3 to 12 September and conducted two search and rescue missions.