FWSAR – Comox Valley Economic Development

Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) Aircraft Replacement Project – Update

News – January 25, 2017

The official ground-breaking for the construction of the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue Training Centre took place at 19 Wing Comox on Thursday, January 25. News coverage on the event and additional information is outlined below.

Other News

Background

In 2014 Comox Valley Economic Development (CVEDS) launched a campaign to support the long term success of Comox Valley’s largest economic generator, 19 Wing Comox.

The initiative was created in response to the Federal Governments’ Request for Proposal for the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) Replacement Project. The companies that submitted bids were expected to recommend locations for future operations, training and maintenance as part of their proposals, and CVEDS & stakeholders recognized the importance of ensuring 19 Wing and the regions strong training attributes were understood amongst the bidders and decision makers. Confirmed bidders included: Team Spartan, Lockheed Martin & Cascade Aerospace, Airbus Group, Boeing & Bell Helicopter, Embraer.

A dedicated volunteer Technical Working Group, comprised of retired senior military officers and representatives from the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ), developed a report that presents the Comox Valley and 19 Wing as the logical choice for the eventual location of a new FWSAR Training Centre.

Fixed Wing Aircraft Replacement & 19 Wing References:

About Comox

About the Project and Potential Bidders

Technical Working Group

Bob Mortimer	Major General (Retired)
Fred Bigelow	Brigadier General (Retired)
Bill Neumann	Brigadier General (Retired)
Jon Ambler	Colonel (Retired)
Terry Chester	Colonel (Retired)
Ted Gibbon	Colonel (Retired)
Dave Mellin	Honourary Colonel
Garry Reaume	Colonel (Retired)
David Berry	Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)
Joan Gordon	Major (Retired)
Dhrur (Ab) Jagat	Major (Retired)
Dan Brennan	Captain (Retired)