March 21, 2014
Ottawa—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will visit Garrison Petawawa on March 24, 2014.
“As commander-in-chief, I always look forward to meeting with members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our men and women in uniform are always so passionate about the work they do in service to our country,” said His Excellency. “It will also be a great honour to present the re-activated 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron with the Standard that embodies the squadron’s honour and represents its members’ devotion to duty.”
Below is Their Excellencies’ itinerary for the day:
9 a.m.
Arrival at Garrison Petawawa
Their Excellencies will be officially welcomed by Colonel Kerry Horlock, Commander of 4th Canadian Division Support Group. His Excellency will inspect the guard of honour, which will be composed of soldiers from various units of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Following the inspection, Their Excellencies will then enter the Normandy Officers’ Mess where they will be briefed on the Garrison’s role, its units and the mental health services available on-site.
Normandy Officers’ Mess, Garrison Petawawa, 44 Lens Road
OPEN TO MEDIA - arrival and inspection of the guard of honour only – members of the media are asked to confirm their attendance with Captain Jeremy Mathews
MEDIA CONTACT: Captain Jeremy Mathews, 613-312-7182,jeremy.mathews@forces.gc.ca.
10:30 a.m.
Return of Colours to 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
The Governor General will begin the ceremony with the Royal Salute and a ceremonial inspection of 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron. His Excellency will then witness the uncasing of the Standard and transfer it to Lieutenant-Colonel Duart Townsend, Commanding Officer of the Squadron. The ceremony will conclude with a march past and the playing of the Royal Salute. The Governor General will then meet privately with members of the Squadron and their families.
450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron was re-activated on May 2, 2012, and flies the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-147F Chinook helicopters. Based at Garrison Petawawa, the Squadron reports to 1 Wing Headquarters in Kingston, Ontario. For more information, please visit http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/1-wing/450-squadron.page.
Building CC-128, Garrison Petawawa
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Captain John-Hugh MacDonald, 613-449-7179, john-hugh.macdonald@forces.gc.ca.
12:30 p.m.
Her Excellency’s Visit to the Integrated Personnel Support Centre and the Military Family Resources Centre
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston will visit the IPSC to learn more about the mental health services offered at Garrison Petawawa. She will then visit the Military Family Resources Centre where she will be briefed on relevant programs and services for families within the military community. During this visit, Her Excellency will have the opportunity to meet with case workers, Canadian Armed Forces members as well as families who are benefiting from these services.
CLOSED TO MEDIA
1 p.m.
Equipment and Vehicle Demonstrations
The Governor General will tour 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group’s training grounds at Juliet Tower (J-Tower) and witness first-hand the work being done by various units based at the Garrison. During this time, His Excellency will observe live-fire exercises, such as controlled explosion demonstrations and light armoured vehicles engaging targets down the range. Commanding officers from each unit will be present at their respective stations to brief the Governor General on their respective roles and the extent of their capabilities.
J-Tower Range, Garrison Petawawa.
OPEN TO MEDIA
MEDIA CONTACT: Captain Jeremy Mathews, 613 312-7182, jeremy.mathews@forces.gc.ca.
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Media information:
Melanie Villeneuve
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
melanie.villeneuve@gg.ca
