442 Squadron Conducts Training Exercise Over North Okanagan

VERNON, BC – July 22, 2025 – The 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from CFB Comox was active in the North Okanagan today, conducting a training exercise above Vernon.

The mission began with a CC-295 Kingfisher taking off from Comox at 9:05 AM PDT, tracked en route to the region. Joined by a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, the yellow aircraft were spotted circling Vernon, likely simulating a search and rescue operation.

Past exercises suggest crews dropped Search and Rescue Technicians to locate mock distress beacons and practice patient evacuations.

Past exercises suggest crews dropped Search and Rescue Technicians to locate mock distress beacons and practice patient evacuations.

Both aircraft landed at Vernon Regional Airport for a period before departing.

The squadron, with its motto UN DIEU, UNE REINE, UN COEUR and a legacy tracing back to WWII, serves the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Victoria, covering 920,000 square kilometers of rugged terrain and 560,000 square kilometers of Pacific waters.

With 200 personnel, including skilled SAR Techs, the 442 Squadron continues to hone its readiness for the region’s demanding conditions.