The upcoming Exercise SKOOKUMCHUK, which will take place from 27 to 31 August in the Terrace area, is a ground search-and-rescue (GSAR) exercise designed to exercise Canadian Rangers from Northern B.C. in supporting civilian authorities in the search for missing persons.

This exercise has been "on the books" since the 29th of March this year. Vehicles and vessels participating in the exercise include a small number of locally-rented vehicles, four locally-contracted civilian helicopters and one boat belonging to a Ranger.

Personnel from outside the Canadian Rangers will include a small communications detachment from Nanaimo and some members of Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit 63, if they are not otherwise tasked.

There will be no Canadian Navy ships, Air Force helicopters or Army armoured vehicles participating in the exercise. (As Previously Reported)

The Canadian Rangers have always been a component of the Reserve Force of the Canadian Forces since their formation in 1947. The Rangers trace their heritage to the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers, a local defence force which operated from March 3, 1942 to September 30, 1945 in B.C. and the Yukon and which, at its peak, numbered some 15,000 members organized into 138 companies.

More information on the Rangers is available on the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group website at: http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/4crpg/contents.asp