2 CMBG - On the Front Line of COVID-19

On March 8, soldiers from the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) cut their weekend short to prepare for an unprecedented fight against an unconventional enemy — COVID-19. The situation was serious: more than 200 Canadians, most of whom were elderly, were stranded aboard the Grand Princess Cruise ship amid a COVID-19 outbreak. They needed to be repatriated back to Canada.

Within 24 hours, upwards of 120 soldiers, centred on the Immediate Response Unit (IRU) from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR), supported by the 2 Services Battalion and 2 Field Ambulance, deployed to Canadian Forces Base Trenton on Operation GLOBE (Op GLOBE).

With augmentation from the Primary Reserves, 3 RCR stood up three critical elements - The Headquarters (HQ); Security Platoon; and Cordon Platoon - which constituted the main “fighting force” of Task Force PARATUS (TF PARATUS). The mission was to assist in the repatriation of the Canadians and patrol the quarantine zone.

The TF PARATUS HQ provided essential logistical support and planning guidance to ensure a smooth transition from the plane, through border security, and into the quarantine zone.

The Security and Cordon Platoons were responsible for the physical integrity of the quarantine zone and the security of CFB Trenton. The intent was to eliminate any risks to public health and to protect the privacy of the passengers while in quarantine.

During this phase of the operation, 2 CMBG soldiers were supporting the efforts of the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and other partner agencies as part of a whole of government approach to providing essential services to the quarantined passengers.

On March 19, 3 RCR transferred responsibility of TF PARATUS to the Primary Reserves.

When 3 RCR finally returned back to the heart of the Ottawa Valley, Petawawa was unrecognizable: the smell of bonfires and Madameek shawarmas was replaced by the smell of latex gloves, hand sanitizer and empty toilet paper aisles.

While accepting a new normal can be difficult, and surely being away from friends and family is challenging, we can find solace in knowing that the soldiers of 2 CMBG stepped up, as they always do, to assist the people of Canada.