OP HESTIA

On January 12th, 2010, an earthquake registering 7.3 on the Richter scale struck Haiti. Thousands of homes were destroyed as well as most government buildings. In one of the greatest tragedies of the 21st century, thousands of Haitians were injured or killed and 1.2 million people became homeless. In the hours that followed the disaster, the Joint Task Force Haiti was formed. Canada was involved, deploying the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to assist earthquake victims. It also sent airfield operation experts and a Royal 22nd Regiment (Valcartier) light infantry battalion. Six CH-146 Griffon helicopters were also deployed to Haiti, two of which came from the 439 Squadron Bagotville. In this apocalyptic setting, the Canadian soldiers did their utmost to rescue people, distribute food, rebuild the capital city and secure the premises.