On February 5th, 2005, 13 NOASARA members joined the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron in a joint training exercise. The 435 Squadron is based out of Winnipeg and this represents a new Squadron that NOASARA has completed training with in recent history. Typically, NOASARA completes its military spotter training with the 424 Squadron based out of Trenton, Ontario.

The C-130 Hercules arrived in Thunder Bay at around 11:30am in 500 ft. ceiling and poor visibility. Both the Herc crew and the NOASARA members were excited about completing the training and departed Thunder Bay at 1pm looking for good weather to conduct the training. On board were 10 NOASARA members who were completing the Herc spotter training for the first time.

In attendance were regular NOASARA members: Lori Luck, Clark Blumberg, Roger Leclaire, Jason Hughes, Mary Armstrong, and Marilyn Seitz.

In addition, 7 air cadets from the local 84 & 66 air cadet squadrons were in attendance. These cadets are new NOASARA members and represent a new pilot project in CASARA Ontario to train and qualify top cadets in their respective squadrons as spotters. These cadets will stand ready to participate in NOASARA training and actual search and rescue missions. These cadets include: Neil Armstrong, Shane Seguin, Spencer Pond, Brendon Korhonen, Emma Wood, Devin Korhonen, and Philip Vandine.

A great time was had by all and we look forward to working with the 435 Squadron in the future.

Jason Hughes