Bishop Trophy for 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron

Good work (links added):

One of highest military aviation honours awarded

Members of the Canadian Forces 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron were recognized Thursday with one of this country's highest military aviation honours during an afternoon ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.

The prestigious Bishop Trophy is presented in recognition of outstanding and meritorious achievement in any field of aviation - other than air transportation and search and rescue - commemorating the exploits of the late Air Marshal William Avery Bishop, VC.

The Daily Gleaner/Ray Bourgeois
Lt.-Col. Brian Derry of 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron, left, and Chief Warrant Officer Walter Paton, right, accept the Bishop Trophy from Gilbert MacNutt, a Second World War veteran.

Most members of the squadron, known affectionately as The Wolf Pack, won't be deployed to Afghanistan, but they contribute to the mission by training the airmen and airwomen who will be deployed by developing air tactics and by proofing the equipment sent overseas.

Squadron Commander Lt.-Col. Brian Derry said the presentation provided an excellent opportunity to recognize the contributions and efforts of this squadron towards Canada's mission in Afghanistan.

He said these members are a crucial part of the Canadian military's day-to-day operations.

"We train the aircrew that fly the Griffon in particular, and, obviously, feed the efforts overseas. We also have embedded within the squadron an operational testing evaluation flight," he said.

"What that means is all the new equipment that comes for the Griffon helicopter, we prove it before its operational use.

"Therefore, when new weapons were added to the aircraft and new sensors, it came through here with my folks testing it and proving it for use before its flight in theatre [more here, here, here--with video, here, and here] ."

Derry said many Canadian soldiers are recognized for their efforts on the ground in action, but the members who prepare the aircrew for their mission, and test their weaponry and equipment, provide a service that may be overlooked by some.

"Their contributions are equally vital, but they don't necessarily get a medal to wear for it. So this award, primarily to Canadian Helicopter Force Afghanistan, but also 1 Wing, our overall organization as a whole, reflects the efforts of everybody," he said.

"So as opposed to singling out the folks who do go overseas, which of course is very critical to the mission, the other folks here who work day in and day out to support that (effort) are now recognized as well."..

Via Spotlight on Military News and International Affairs. Here's the 2009 winner.