Winnipeg, Man.: The Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region (CANR) will conduct Exercise Fabric Virgo this week in southwestern British Columbia in support of preparations for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The exercise, which will be conducted in the areas of Vancouver and Vancouver Island from September 15-16, will involve Canadian Forces CF-18 fighters and other aircraft flying at low altitudes. Residents in the exercise area may hear aircraft noise and perhaps see aircraft flying at various times throughout the day. The training will involve the fighters escorting or flying with civilian-looking aircraft, but this is part of the exercise.

NORAD is conducting this training in coordination with NAV Canada to familiarize it and NORAD personnel with operations in the Vancouver area in advance of the 2010 Olympic Games.

The Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) is responsible for the overall safety and security of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Training such as this is conducted in close coordination with the ISU and other security partners.

NORAD is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and control for North America.

For more information, please contact:
Lieutenant (Navy) David Lavallee
Public Affairs Officer
1 Canadian Air Division/Canadian NORAD Region
Business hours: (204) 833-2500 ext. 2029