A member of 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Comox, is now part of Royal Canadian Air Force history.
For the first time, two women Search and Rescue Technicians crewed a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, while on standby in support of operations.
Team leader, Sergeant Ashley Barker, from 442, was joined by Master Corporal Katerine Hanak.
Hanak is a member of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron based in Gander, Newfoundland.
The Royal Canadian Airforce said this operation earlier this week made it “truly a Canadian coast-to-coast first.”
“In marking this unique operational milestone for the RCAF and for women in aviation, we would like to take the opportunity to thank these first-class members, along with the larger SAR community, for their service to the RCAF and Canada, so that others may live,” the Air Force added.