Connecting with the Canadian Armed Forces

Town Council and Senior Staff recently had the opportunity to meet with members of the Canadian Armed Forces during their brief survey training visit at the Vegreville Regional Airport. Council extends its sincere appreciation for the chance to engage with the troops and learn more about the purpose behind their training practices.

The Royal Canadian Air Force/Canadian Armed Forces have been conducting the Airfield Survey and Assessment Reconnaissance (ASAR) course out of CFB Cold Lake since 2012. This training prepares officers and members for airfield reconnaissance across Northern Canada and overseas to determine whether selected airfields are capable of supporting Canadian Armed Forces aircraft in the event of emergencies such as forest fires, floods, and other natural disasters.

Activities and assessments conducted during this training include:

• Monitoring ground frequency as a safety precaution for members using the facility
• Determining airfield pavement condition (asphalt and concrete)
• Assessing base and sub-base strength using a dynamic cone penetrometer (requiring a small test hole, which is repaired immediately following measurements)
• Surveying runways and supporting airfield infrastructure, including ditches, culverts, taxiways, and aprons as required

We thank the Canadian Armed Forces for their service and for taking the time to connect with our community.