Sparwood’s own Captain Justin Hanlon of the Canadian Armed Forces has been making a difference aboard the HMCS Calgary in the Middle East.
Capt. Hanlon, who is a maritime helicopter Tactical Coordinator (TACCO), is part of the Calgary’s embarked CH-148 Cyclone helicopter air detachment which has been playing a key role in the success of the recently concluded operation ARTEMIS, searching for suspicious smuggling vessels at sea.
According to an armed forces spokesperson, Hanlon has been responsible for planning operations and flying as part of the air crew to execute them.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the military. The fact that I was so passionate about it and that Royal Military College (RMC) actually paid me to go to school helped get my mom on board,” said Hanlon.
“The most rewarding aspect for me is that the air det and the ship have had immense success on Operation ARTEMIS and it was great to be a part of that in an immediate way,” he said.
Hanlon attended high school in Sparwood - where his parents still reside. While in the valley, he was involved with the 279 Elk Valley Royal Air Cadet Squadron, which inspired him to attend RMC in Kington, Ontario.
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scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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