Yorke Island - LUSAR
It's a new adventure for Yorke Island! 15th Field Artillery Regiment has returned to it's World War II roots as a coastal artillery unit in order to conduct Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) training for members of its LUSAR team. The current condition of the buildings on the island and the fallen timber presented a realistic scenarios for the soldiers to practice their hazard assessments and their chainsaw skills.
The 85VICS were invaluable as the local knowledge team on the ground having considerable contacts with the members of the community.
A big shout out to the Heritage Hall committee for the use of their hall for the troops arrival at 0200 Saturday morning, Honorary Battery Commander Ross for his excellent chili and the local Legion for providing a fantastic breakfast Saturday morning. You guys all rock!
On the island, the 85Vics provided historical tours to small groups, showcasing where the former members of the unit lived and worked between 1939 and 1945. History was only a small part of the weekend as the LUSAR teams focused on their chainsaws skills and hazard assessment. While the 85VIcs focused on the Officers' Quarters, they also provided opportunities for the LUSAR to view the collapsed structure and assess the safety protocols required and understand the difficulties in removing damaged building material. It's not often that you get to use a chainsaw inside a house!
After dinner, the 85Vics gathered around the stoves in #2 gun emplacement while the LUSAR teams went off for some evening scenarios at the powerhouse structure. While this building is still stable, it did provide opportunities for determining the best solution for ensuring a structure is clear of casualties and the process required to resuce any individuals that may be trapped. Minds are already working on using this structure in future complex scenarios.
Not only did Yorke provide excellent training opportunities, it also provided a wonderful view of the nature that surrounds us in British Columbia. There's not many of us that can say we had a barbecue at a gun emplacement while watching humpback whales and porpoises navigate the channel. What would the original Gunners that were mobilized in 1939 think of us today?
Enjoy the photos. More to follow as I receive them.
The 85VICS were invaluable as the local knowledge team on the ground having considerable contacts with the members of the community.
A big shout out to the Heritage Hall committee for the use of their hall for the troops arrival at 0200 Saturday morning, Honorary Battery Commander Ross for his excellent chili and the local Legion for providing a fantastic breakfast Saturday morning. You guys all rock!
On the island, the 85Vics provided historical tours to small groups, showcasing where the former members of the unit lived and worked between 1939 and 1945. History was only a small part of the weekend as the LUSAR teams focused on their chainsaws skills and hazard assessment. While the 85VIcs focused on the Officers' Quarters, they also provided opportunities for the LUSAR to view the collapsed structure and assess the safety protocols required and understand the difficulties in removing damaged building material. It's not often that you get to use a chainsaw inside a house!
After dinner, the 85Vics gathered around the stoves in #2 gun emplacement while the LUSAR teams went off for some evening scenarios at the powerhouse structure. While this building is still stable, it did provide opportunities for determining the best solution for ensuring a structure is clear of casualties and the process required to resuce any individuals that may be trapped. Minds are already working on using this structure in future complex scenarios.
Not only did Yorke provide excellent training opportunities, it also provided a wonderful view of the nature that surrounds us in British Columbia. There's not many of us that can say we had a barbecue at a gun emplacement while watching humpback whales and porpoises navigate the channel. What would the original Gunners that were mobilized in 1939 think of us today?
Enjoy the photos. More to follow as I receive them.
