Visit to Garrison Petawawa

Upon their arrival at Garrison Petawawa, Their Excellencies were officially welcomed by Colonel Kerry Horlock, Commander of 4th Canadian Division Support Group.

That afternoon, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston visited the Lil Troopers Day Care which is operated by the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre.

His Excellency observed live-fire exercises, such as controlled explosion demonstrations and light armoured vehicles engaging targets down the range.

The Governor General toured 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group’s training grounds at Juliet Tower (J-Tower) and witnessed first-hand the work being done by various units based at the Garrison.

During his time at J-Tower, His Excellency met Canadian Armed Forces' members and was briefed on their respective roles and the extent of their units' capabilities.

Lieutenant-Colonel Duart Townsend and the Governor General sat in the CH-147F Chinook helicopter's cockpit for a few minutes.

450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron was re-activated on May 2, 2012, and flies the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CH-147F Chinook helicopters. Based at Garrison Petawawa, the Squadron reports to 1 Wing Headquarters in Kingston, Ontario.

The Return of Colours ceremony began with the Royal Salute and a ceremonial inspection of 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.

His Excellency was responsible for transferring the Standard to Lieutenant-Colonel Duart Townsend, Commanding Officer of the Squadron.

His Excellency inspected the guard of honour, which was composed of soldiers from various units of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.

The Governor General fired a M777 lightweight 155-mm towed howitzer from the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.