8ACCS delivers Queen Elizabeth to Fredricton Airport

Submitted by Sgt Bob Viel, 8ACCS Airfield Systems Supervisor

   It was a fresh New Brunswick morning at Fredericton airport when the eight-member team from 8 Air Communication and Control Squadron (8ACCS) was doing final adjustments on the Precision Approach QUAD Radar system that would safely guide the arrival of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II.

   The 8ACCS team installed and flight- checked the radar system next to the newly extended runway at Fredericton Regional Airport. Everyone waited anxiously for the one special CC-150 Canadian Forces Airbus to arrive. At 38 miles out from the airport, the 8ACCS controllers received the call from “Royal 01”, and everyone’s hearts began to flutter. The Queen was on her way! For the Gypsy crew, this was not another BOXTOP chalk in CFS Alert or a SAREX in Gimli Manitoba … this was Her Royal Highness!

   Royal 01 landed at 1430 hrs on October 11 with the calming voice and expert guidance of 8ACCS precision approach controllers Sgt Maynard, MCpl Dimock and MCpl Ray. From the QUAD radar setup across the runway, the team could hear the sound of roaring applause and cheers from thousands of fans and journalists lining the ramp where the Airbus was disembarking its Royal visitors. This sound was like gold in recognition that 8ACCS had accomplished its mission.

    Although 8ACCS personnel sometimes find themselves throughout the world providing communications or air traffic control support to deployed Air Force operations, the safe landing for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Fredericton, New Brunswick is a reminder of the important services that all Canadian Forces personnel provide, serving national deployments in our own backyard as well.