Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Dec 11/00) - Four CF-18 jets temporarily stationed at Inuvik's forward operating location (FOL) are responding to routine Russian flight missions, says a NORAD spokesperson.
Major Lynne Chaloux in Winnipeg said when the Russian air force takes to Northern skys -- even in their own airspace-- Canada's national defense kicks in.
"By deploying (Canadian aircraft) we're in a much better position to respond if our sovereignty were to be compromised," Chaloux said.
"That's doesn't mean we are expecting such a threat in this case."
Activating Canadian FOLs for training purposes is not uncommon (pilots were in Inuvik for two months of training in March.) In this case, the site was activated because long range bombers in Northern Russia were detected, Chaloux confirmed.
Nine Canadian pilots and 90 crew members from Cold Lake and Winnipeg arrived in Inuvik on Nov. 29.
Chaloux emphasized the activation of the otherwise unmanned FOL should not cause any alarm.
Pilot (Major) Rob Parker said unpredictable weather and limited daylight make for challenging conditions.
"It's down to twighlight, no daylight now, but we try to fly everyday," said Parker who hopes to be home for Christmas.
"We were told to prepare for 30 days here. I can tell you my wife and other wives hope it's less."
Back in Yellowknife, Canadian Forces Capt. Bob Saunders confirmed training missions are routine.
"When NORAD gets a blip on the screen, we are notified," Saunders said.
NWT and Nunavut have four FOL's, built in the early 1990s -- Inuvik, Rankin Inlet, Yellowknife and Iqaluit.
FOL's are six concrete bays, a maintenance hanger and housing for pilots and crew.
