Name: Sgt Jay Krzywonos
Occupation: Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AES Op)
Unit: 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man.
Joined the CF: 1993
Career highlight: Becoming an AES Op.
"When I was in the Navy, and a Sea King was embarked onboard, I had a glimpse of how exciting and challenging [AES Ops'] lives are. The AES Op trade really appealed to me, and I submitted my application to re-muster to the AES Op trade. Through training, I learned how to use RADAR, SONAR and the Forward Looking Infrared Camera to track, identify and classify surface and sub-surface contacts. I also learned about the use of tactics, communications, loading of ordinance, operation of the C-6 machine gun, hoisting operations and general Aircrew duties.
"Even though the academics were intensive and learning to fly in the Sea King was extremely challenging, graduating from the course was one of the most important milestones of my military career.
"As a qualified Sea King AES Op, I was posted to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Victoria, B.C. where I was promptly assigned to an Air detachment and was sent off to sea aboard several of Canada's Naval warships. I have gone full circle and am now one of the people I was envious of so many years before.
"In just over two years, I was involved in patrols off the West coast, several large Naval exercises in San Diego, medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, and a tour in the Persian Gulf. I also had opportunities to work with the RCMP, U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, and other government agencies."
