Duty CallsUncategorized

DART Returns Home

 

More than 100 members of Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) returned to CFB Trenton May 31.

The team deployed to Nepal at the end of April to provide humanitarian assistance following an earthquake that hit the country on the 25th of that month. DART will re-deploy in phases, with all DART personnel expected to be back in Canada by June 6, 2015.

Captain Jonathan Bishop, doctor for the Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team, treats a child in the village of Balephi, Sindhupalchok District in Nepal, during Operation RENAISSANCE 15-1 on May 10, 2015. Photo: MCpl Cynthia Wilkinson, Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Center DA50-2015-0001-080 ~ Le capitaine Jonathan Bishop, médecin au sein de l’Équipe d’intervention en cas de catastrophe des Forces armées canadiennes, soigne un enfant dans le village de Balephi, dans le district de Sindhupalchok, au Népal, au cours de l’opération RENAISSANCE 15 1, le 10 mai 2015. Photo : Cplc Cynthia Wilkinson, Centre d’imagerie interarmées des Forces canadiennes DA50-2015-0001-080

“The Canadian Armed Forces promptly responded to the disaster in Nepal with unique expertise and essential resources to assist in relief efforts there. Now, DART members are returning home after a job well done, something all Canadians can be proud of,” said Jason Kenney, National Defence Minister.

On April 26, 2015, the Government of Canada deployed elements of the DART to Nepal in a phased approach, adjusting capabilities and personnel based on needs on the ground.

In a short period of time, Canada’s DART provided significant support to relief efforts led by the Government of Nepal and contributed to various humanitarian activities underway by international partners.

Captain Jonathan Bishop, doctor for the Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team, treats a child in the village of Balephi, Sindhupalchok District in Nepal, during Operation RENAISSANCE 15-1 on May 10, 2015. Photo: MCpl Cynthia Wilkinson, Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Center DA50-2015-0001-082 ~ Le capitaine Jonathan Bishop, médecin au sein de l’Équipe d’intervention en cas de catastrophe des Forces armées canadiennes, soigne un enfant dans le village de Balephi, dans le district de Sindhupalchok, au Népal, au cours de l’opération RENAISSANCE 15 1, le 10 mai 2015. Photo : Cplc Cynthia Wilkinson, Centre d’imagerie interarmées des Forces canadiennes DA50-2015-0001-082

On May 28, the Government of Canada announced the DART was drawing down from Nepal. As part of the Government of Canada initiative led by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD), the CAF was reducing its personnel and equipment.

Recent on-the-ground assessments by the Government of Canada, including members of the DART, the Government of Nepal, and the United Nations indicate that immediate basic needs of the affected population are now being provided by the Government of Nepal, local authorities and experienced civilian partners.

While in Nepal DART treated more than 700 Nepalese patients, distributed 75 water filtration units, enabling access to clean safe drinking water for approximately 3,400 people.

Corporal Ryan Nicholson and Sapper Joseph Van Exan (driver) from 4 Engineer Support Regiment, both members of the Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team, move equipment at camp SUMITRA, in Sindhupalchok district, Nepal during Operation RENAISSANCE 15-1 on May 10, 2015. Photo: MCpl Cynthia Wilkinson, Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Center DA50-2015-0001-066 ~ Le caporal Ryan Nicholson et le sapeur Joseph Van Exan (chauffeur), du 4e Régiment d’appui du génie, tous les deux membres de l’Équipe d’intervention en cas de catastrophe des Forces armées canadiennes, déplacent du matériel au camp SUMITRA, dans le district de Sindhupalchok, au Népal, au cours de l’opération RENAISSANCE 15-1, le 10 mai 2015. Photo : Cplc Cynthia Wilkinson, Centre d’imagerie interarmées des Forces canadiennes DA50-2015-0001-066

Over 355 crank radios to connect remote communities with relief efforts were distributed by DART, enabling more than 300 public safety announcements.

The DART is a vital asset in Canada’s response to natural disasters abroad, specifically in meeting three critical needs; water purification, primary medical care and engineering help.

Captain Ray Smith, Padre for the Canadian Disaster Assistance Response Team, gives a sermon to Canadian Armed Forces members at Camp Sumitra, Sindhupalchok Region, Nepal on May 15, 2015. Photo: Corporal Kevin McMillan, Canadian Forces Combat Camera IS09-2015-0030-081 ~ Le capitaine Ray Smith, l’aumônier de l’Équipe d’intervention en cas de catastrophe, prononce un sermon devant des membres des Forces armées canadiennes, au camp Sumitra, dans la région de Sindhupalchok, au Népal, le 15 mai 2015. Photo : Caporal Kevin McMillan, Caméra de combat des Forces canadiennes IS09-2015-0030-081

Get More! Receive six issues of Canadian Military Family Magazine in your mail box for only $17.95! Click here to subscribe NOW!

Show More

Vicki L Morrison

Thanks to her husband's military career Vicki reinvented herself as a writer so she could work from home, while taking care of their three kids. A former MFRC executive director Vicki is a passionate advocate for military families who loves telling their stories.

Leave a Reply

Canadian Military Family Magazine
Close