Operation CARAVAN

June 8 2003 - July 6 2003

On 6 July 2003, Operation CARAVAN, the Canadian Forces (CF) contribution to the French-led Interim Emergency Multinational Force in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now concluded.

Op CARAVAN was launched in response to a request from the United Nations for assistance in restoring order in that region. Beginning on June 8, 2003 two CC-130 Hercules tactical transport aircraft and about 50 CF personnel, detached from the Tactical Airlift Detachment (TAL Det) deployed in the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) region on Operation APOLLO, provided airlift from Entebbe, Uganda to Bunia. Both aircraft and most of the personnel returned to the TAL Det that is also supporting Operation ATHENA, the Canadian contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.

During Op CARAVAN, aircraft completed 50 flights, transported 545 personnel and delivered more than 490,000 kg of cargo with an excellent mission success rate.

Op CARAVAN was not Canada's only commitment in DRC. Under Operation CROCODILE, Canada's contribution to the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), eight CF members are employed on the staff at MONUC Headquarters in Kinshasa and at the Sector Headquarters in Kisangani.