What was a lay over before entering into Haiti, turned into a mini resupply of much needed provisions when Turks and Caicos locals sent boxes of baby supplies along with one of the four CH-146 Griffons, which self-deployed three days after the earthquake hit to support relief efforts underway in Haiti.

“It was quite amazing,” Major Alain Tanguay, Commanding Officer of 3 Wing’s 439 Combat Support Squadron, CFB Bagotville, Que, said on Fri., Jan 22 from Turks and Caicos – a grouping of 40 islands located 250 kilometres east of Cuba.

“The people are quite thankful for what we [Canadian Forces] are trying to do because a lot of Haitians here in Turks and Caicos have lost friends and family members in the earthquake. They want to do whatever it is they can, too, and if delivering these supplies gives them that hope – we’re happy to help.”

The first self-deployed crew from 1 Wing’s 430 Tactical Helicopter Sqn, Valcartier, Que, along with baby supplies, landed in Haiti early that morning. Two other crews from 439 CSS and 5 Wing’s 444 CSS were still en route due to weather delays along the east coast. Major Tanguay’s crew was delayed on the island due to maintenance issues. As of today all four self-deployed Griffons are in Haiti and have begun operations.

“Not being a deployable unit, because we [439 CSS] are dedicated 3 Wing Search and Rescue assets, as well as tasked to national SAR efforts, the opportunity to support a humanitarian assistance mission will be a new experience,” said Major Tanguay.

The Air Force is the Canadian Forces’ means of rapid delivery of critical personnel, equipment and supplies to regions in distress, anywhere in the world. This was demonstrated in this latest feat and since the earthquake hit as C-17s and C-130s from 8 Wing continue to fly in Port au Prince with CF personal, equipment and supplies.

Major Tangauy and his crew also took five to six boxes of baby supplies given to them from members of Turks and Caicos – he wished it could be more – but space was limited on board the Griffon due to the extra personal equipment needed for Air Force members already in Haiti.

“Even in their own grief, the people here in Turks and Caicos are thankful and look to a positive future in rebuilding from this tragedy,” he said.

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