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Helicopters head to Alaska for exercise

CH-146 Griffon helicopter (Panebi Wilson/Chon-FM news)

The Griffons will operate at altitudes no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route

Six CH-146 Griffon helicopters from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron are set to embark on a journey from Edmonton, Alberta, to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, from January 26 to 28, 2026. The aircraft will participate in Exercise STRIKING BAT, a large-scale, multinational combat training event designed to prepare military forces for Arctic and sub-Arctic operations.

According to a media release, the exercise, taking place at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center in Alaska, will run from January 28 to February 28, 2026, and involves personnel from 1 Wing working alongside US Army aviation units and international partners, including Norway, Italy, and Mongolia.

The Griffons will operate at altitudes no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route, with flight activities potentially generating unfamiliar noise for local residents. 

The Royal Canadian Air Force has ensured meticulous planning and monitoring to guarantee public safety, with operations dependent on weather and flying conditions.

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