A New Beginning – August 2002

The Squadron has been through a whirlwind of activity since the last update in June 2002.  Participation in Operation GRIZZLY, Regimental Change of Command Parade and a well-earned  leave period from mid-July to mid-August consumed the Squadrons time during this period.

During this time, the Squadron also said goodbye to the outgoing Officer Commanding, Major Dwayne Parsons and the outgoing Squadron Sergeant-Major, MWO Al Fuller.  Major Shane Gifford and WO Bradford Murphy assumed the helm and look forward to the challenges awaiting the Squadron in the new training year.

C Squadron will be mounting the Reconnaissance Squadron as part of the Op PALLADIUM Rotation 12 Battle Group.  This is the Canadian contribution to the NATO mission in Bosnia and Hezegovina.  To that end, the Squadron is in the process of converting from its mainstay, the Leopard C2 main battle tank, to the Coyote reconnaissance vehicle in preparation for this mission.  Primary Combat Function training began in mid-August with Coyote Driving and Maintenance and Coyote Gunnery Courses getting underway.  These skills will be confirmed in the field on Exercise STRATHCONA SNIPER 5 in Wainwright, Alberta in early October.  The Squadron will then assume Range Safety duties for exercise PACING RAM to be conducted in Suffield in late October.

To all those who are new to the Squadron, welcome.  It will be a challenging and satisfying year in preparation for Op PALLADIUM.