Operation IMPACT is the Canadian Forces’ (CF) contribution to the Middle East Stabilization Force (MESF) – the multinational coalition to halt and degrade Daesh.  Under Operation IMPACT, the CF conducts air operations and provides training and assistance to the Iraqi security forces, capacity building capabilities to regional forces, and support to the coalition with highly-skilled personnel.

The CP140 Aurora contribution to Operation IMPACT departed 14 Wing Greenwood 24 October 2014.  The first Long Range Patrol Detachment (LRP Det) consisted of two modernized Block 3 CP140 Auroras (aka CP140M) specifically modified for the mission and approximately 75 aircrew, maintainers and support staff.  This deployment was the first overland Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) role for the modernized Aurora - a relatively modest tactical investment that provided huge returns for Canada and the Coalition.  Op IMPACT was supported by the entire CP140 community with personnel and expertise, both operational and support. By Rotation 4 (ROTO 4), the LRP Det had flown well over 500 combat missions, accumulating more than 4000 combat hours, executing its mission with a 96% mission success rate, gathering valuable intelligence in support of coalition operations in the air and on the ground.  Like any operation, ROTO 0 had its specific challenges, with planning and training tightly constrained, leaving only 6 weeks to plan, train and deploy for the mission.  During this phase, 404 (LRP&T) Squadron (Sqn) prepared highly-realistic simulator scenarios on short notice for the deploying crews, enabling them to conduct mission rehearsals - a first for the LRP Fleet.  After arriving at the deployed location, the Det was challenged with establishing the physical infra-structure and communications necessary to support operations, achieved with tight coordination with both Canadian and U.S. units operating from the deployed base in Kuwait.  Lastly, despite the aircrew, technicians and support staff having to contend with an unforgiving environment of sand storms, intense heat, unpredictable weather in the operations area, scorpions and camel spiders, or enemy fire, the members of ROTO 0 persevered to ensure success. 

The painting on display here is a testament to incredible determination, perseverance and operational excellence displayed by the LRP Det during ROTO 0 – a legacy of excellence that has continued through each subsequent rotation of personnel.  This commitment and tenacity is recognized and incorporated into the LRP Det official patch (depicted), which shows a CP140M Aurora coming to life as a scorpion over the back drop of a map of Iraq.  LCol Brendan Cook  MSM, CD served as the ROTO 0 LRP Detachment Commander.  His image in this picture is representative of all those who have and still are participating in this operation with honour and distinction. 

This painting was commissioned and presented to the Museum by the Greenwood Art Association September 2016; the artist is Peter Robichaud.