Article by: Lt Q.D. Vu, 81 CE Tp Comd// Lead Planner, 8 MSS
In support of the commander’s intent to achieve operational relevance, 8 Mission Support Squadron (8 MSS) hosted its second annual readiness exercise, Ex RUNWAY REVIVAL from 14 Sept to 25 Sept 2026 at Canadian Forces Detachment (CFD) Mountain View. The intent was to operationalize 8 MSS by conducting capability development and building squadron cohesion and teamwork. Exercise planning was led by 8 Construction Engineering Flight (8 CEF), and it benefitted from the significant contributions from others within 8 MSS, such as Transport and Electrical Mechanical Engineering (TEME) Flight, Wing Replenishment Flight (including Food Services), and Wing Environment. The camp build portion required resources and expertise from High Readiness Detachment (HRD), as well as critical section-level positions being filled by enthusiastic Canadian Military Engineers belonging to Real Property Operations Unit Ontario (RPOU(O)), Detachments Borden and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake. The Aircraft Arresting Systems Operator (AASO), Emergency Airfield Lighting System (EALS), and various vehicle courses were also held in tandem with the exercise.
“Candidates on the AASO course were introduced to the general functionality, components, and operation of the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS). They received training in routine cable operations and gained practical experience performing operator duties under the supervision and direction of qualified MAAS Team Leader.”
Sgt Gonthier, Course Staff of AASO Course
The readiness exercise began with a ~70 pers camp bed down; members were tasked with making the camp habitable. This was to include setting down modular tentage, installing the inflatable CP, power generation & distribution, setting up the mechanized ablutions, and chlorinating the water bladders and buffalos for safe consumption. HRD also sent out a Tiger Team to support the setup of the DART showers (for personnel development) and the inflatable CP, both are pieces of military kit not widely seen or trained on. During the bed down portion of the exercise, a few hurdles were identified, however the technicians were able to resolve these issues with their resourcefulness and experience.
“[The exercise] provided very valuable learning experiences. [We] got to work on tools and with different PH field equipment I haven’t seen before.”
Avr Girouard, PH Tech
For the remainder of the exercise, camp maintenance, camp improvements, and mobile support equipment training was prioritized. Some examples of tasks completed by Construction Techs include floorboards, mod tent doors/walls, and stairs (to a reefer). The Plumbing and Heating Techs were also crucial to providing heat and water to the camp; some examples of tasks that they completed include setting up and providing water to the mechanized ablutions and field kitchen and hooking up the field heaters to the mod tents. The Electrical Distribution Techs also worked in tandem with the Refrigeration Mechanic Techs by installing environmental control units, and with the Electrical Generation Systems Tech by completing the electrical distribution required for the camp.
“I really liked working with the water heater. It was also valuable to work with other trades as well.”
Avr Beese, PH Tech
The WFE Techs continued with recertification and chlorination of bladders and water buffalos for the duration of the exercise. 85 Airfield Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) Troop were welcome additions to participate in the exercise with camp inspections, live fire extinguisher training, as well as mutual-aid training with Prince Edward County Fire Department.
Through Ex RR 26, troops gained experience on skid steers, rough terrain forklifts, trailers, ATVs and side-by-sides. They also completed many projects, including some that could contribute to their Apprentice On-Job-Education (OJE) books. All participating members reported enjoying the training and the experience they gained. Learning extended from the planning phase through execution, and everyone expressed enthusiasm for next year’s upgrades to further improve the readiness exercise.
“It was a good exercise for me, [I] got to spend time with my apprentices and pass on trade specific knowledge in an austere environment.”
Sgt Tulip, PH Tech
CHIMO!