News Release
AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS/AFFAIRES PUBLIQUES DE LA FORCE AÉRIENNE - May 15, 2007
4 WING COLD LAKE, Alta. – There will be a month-long population spike in Cold Lake as flight crews from around the world participate in Exercise MAPLE FLAG, one of the largest Air Force coalition exercises in the world.
MAPLE FLAG XL (MF 40), traditionally focussed on fighter aircraft, will be held from May 22 to June 15 and will see an increased involvement from Canadian Forces – air and ground components will be added while maintaining the integrity of training for international participants. CP-140 Aurora and CC-130 Hercules aircraft, along with a CH-146 Griffon helicopter will add to a more robust Canadian Air Force capability during the exercise, while land forces will be incorporated into the MF scenario.
“Incorporating a variety of air and ground elements into the Maple Flag scenario will provide a training environment more relevant to the operations most countries now face,” said Maj.-Gen. Charlie Bouchard, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region. “We’ll integrate our operations with our allies and demonstrate the relevance and responsiveness of the Canadian Forces within a scenario that reflects today’s unpredictable threat environment.”
MF 40 will be divided into two two-week periods. During each period, forces from Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Belgium, the United States, the United Kingdom and NATO will engage in a simulated, 10-day coalition air campaign. The exercise will also host Brazil, India, Greece, and Spain as part of the International Observer Program.
“4 Wing is proud to host Exercise MAPLE FLAG year after year as it presents opportunities for the entire war fighting team to plan, coordinate and execute a coalition live-fly air campaign in a real-world scenario,” said Colonel Greg Matte, Commander, 4 Wing Cold Lake. “With its vast expanses of unrestricted airspace, its cutting-edge technology and its knowledgeable and experienced personnel, 4 Wing is the ideal venue for tactical fighter operations and training for Canada’s friends and allies year-round.”
MF is an annual exercise held at 4 Wing Cold Lake. Originally designed to develop junior combat ready aircrew, MF provides Canadian and allied aircrew with realistic training in a modern simulated air combat environment, and emphasizes air operations involving large package coalition forces.
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Note to Editors/News Directors: MAPLE FLAG Media Days will be held each Thursday during the exercise. To register for media days or for more information about Exercise MAPLE FLAG XL please visit our website: (www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/4Wing/training/mapleflag/about_e.asp) or contact the MF Public Affairs Officer:
Lieutenant Steve Neta
Tel: (780) 840-8000 ext. 8026
Cell: (204) 291-8942
neta.scc@forces.gc.ca
