4 WING COLD LAKE, Alta. - There will be a month-long population spike in Cold Lake as flight crews from around the world participate in Exercise MAPLE FLAG 41, one of the largest Air Force coalition exercises in the world.
MAPLE FLAG XLI (MF 41), traditionally focussed on fighter aircraft, will be held from May 5th to the 30th and will see an increased involvement from Canadian Forces - air and ground components will be added while maintaining the integrity of training for international participants. CC-130 Hercules aircraft, along with a CH-146 Griffon helicopter will add to a more robust Canadian Air Force capability during the exercise, while land forces will be incorporated into the MF scenario.
MF 41 will be divided into two periods; Period One 5-16 May and Period Two 19-30 May. During each period, forces from Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Singapore, the United States, and NATO will engage in a simulated, 10-day coalition air campaign. More than 3,000 military personnel are expected to participate in this year's MF.
MF is an annual exercise held at 4 Wing Cold Lake. Originally designed to develop junior combat ready aircrew, MF provides Canadian and allied aircrew with realistic training in a modern simulated air combat environment, and emphasizes air operations involving large package coalition forces.
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Note to Editors/News Directors: MAPLE FLAG Media Days will be held each Thursday during the exercise. To register for media days or for more information about Exercise MAPLE FLAG XLI please visit our website: (www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/4Wing/training/mapleflag/about_e.asp) or contact the MF Public Affairs Officer:
Captain John Pulchny
Tel: (780) 840-8000 ext. 8121
Cell: (902) 760-1773
pulchny.j@forces.gc.ca
or
Second-Lt Brian Bowen
Tel: (780) 840-8000 ext. 8026
Bowen.bpq@forces.gc.ca
