CFB Suffield warns of equipment move, air training exercises that will increase visible activity
By Medicine Hat News on September 22, 2020.
Residents and motorists in southeast Alberta will notice increased activity at CFB Suffield, officials with the Department of National Defence are warning. This week, British Army Training Unit Suffield will begin moving heavy vehicles and equipment along Highway 884, across the Trans-Canada Highway to rail loading facilities near the Hamlet of Suffield. And until the end of September, tactical air training at the base by the Canadian Forces will involve increased daytime helicopter traffic throughout the region. The annual fleet rotation will see vehicles marshalled along the secondary highway from Township Road 150, and take place between Sept. 21 and 25. Military police will be onsite during the intermittent convoys to direct traffic between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists are advised to obey directions and signs in the area. Traffic will be redirected as needed. In the air, Exercise Gander Warrior involves the 408 tactical air squadron. It will train with CH-146 helicopters in non-weapon training until Oct. 2. At that time roughly 15-20 Canadian Forces vehicles will leave in smaller convoys for the 408’s home base in Edmonton. Until then, residents should expect to see aircraft near the base and mainly in Special Areas No. 2, south of the Red Deer River, during daytime hours. 8-7
