A Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Search and Rescue technician (SAR Tech) based at 17 Wing Winnipeg died in an accident during training near Yorkton, Sask. on Wednesday. Master-Corporal Alfred Barr was a member of 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Winnipeg,
The RCAF’s Directorate of Flight Safety will be investigating the accident and no further information will be released about the incident while that is ongoing.
The mission of 435 “Chinthe” Transport and Rescue Squadron is to conduct air mobility and search and rescue operations.
435 Squadron tasks include airlift of freight and passengers, air-to-air refuelling of fighter aircraft in Canada and around the world and search and rescue operations. It is the only Air Force squadron equipped and trained to conduct air-to-air refuelling of fighter aircraft in support of operational and training activities at home and abroad.
“On behalf of all 17 Wing Winnipeg and the entire RCAF, I would like to express my condolences to Master-Corporal Alfred Barr’s family, friends and fellow service members. Master-Corporal Barr was a valuable member of 435 Squadron’s Search and Rescue team, and he will be deeply missed,” Col. Andy Cook, 17 Wing Winnipeg Commander, said in a statement.
“I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies to Master Corporal Barr’s family and friends, as well as the Search and Rescue community during this difficult time,” Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance, said. “Every year, our Search and Rescue Squadrons and Technicians conduct thousands of daring exercises and real-life missions to keep Canadians safe. This is not easy work. Today’s loss is a reflection of that selflessness that characterizes their profession, as told in their motto: ‘That others may live.’ ”
