The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) is pleased to announce Mustang Survival as its first official partner. This partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding, spans a three-year term and outlines the mutual support in promoting boating safety and educational initiatives.

Shari Affleck (CCGA) and Kenny Ballard (Mustang Survival)

“When I visited Mustang Survival and saw their building with the powerful message, ‘We Save Lives for a Living,’ it was clear that our values are deeply aligned,” says Shari Affleck, Executive Director of the CCGA. “I knew right then that a great partnership was not only possible but inevitable!”

Kenny Ballard, President of Mustang Survival, adds: “Partnering with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is an honour for us. Our mission to protect life on the water perfectly aligns with the CCGA’s commitment to volunteering, where members selflessly dedicate their time to promoting boating safety and saving lives. We’re proud to collaborate with such a dedicated organization and look forward to making a meaningful impact together.”

Mustang Survival and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary share a vision of zero preventable water-related incidents. With Mustang Survival’s personal protective equipment and their shared commitment to water safety, the CCGA is now better equipped to help save lives and promote safer practices on the water. Together, the organizations aim to enhance water safety education and preparedness through CCGA nationally approved programs, including Kids Don’t Float, Pleasure Craft Safety Checks (PCSCs), and Water Safety Education & Awareness public events.

Initial Key Programs and Initiatives:

1. Kids Don’t Float Program / PFD Loaner Stations: This national program promotes safe on-the-water activities across Canada through the provision of life-saving equipment and the promotion of education and awareness for individuals of all ages.

2. Pleasure Craft Safety Check (PCSC): This free safety check is offered by the CCGA to recreational boaters. A trained volunteer boards the vessel to verify if it has all the required safety equipment onboard and meetsboating regulations. In 2024, the CCGA conducted 900 checks, and the goal for 2025 is to expand this program with the launch of the new PCSC App.

The CCGA is thrilled to welcome Mustang Survival’s support for the 2025 CCGA National programs and beyond and looks forward to collaborating closely to help Canadians stay safe on the water.

CAMP TECSON, Philippines — U.S. Army medics partnered with Philippine Army soldiers for a medical evacuation-focused subject matter expert exchange as part of Exercise Salaknib 2025, March 25, 2025.

The MED 101 class, led by U.S. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment “Lightning Dustoff,” provided both forces with critical hands-on instruction in MEDEVAC procedures, equipment handling and patient transport techniques designed for joint operations in austere environments.

Training began with a ground demonstration featuring several essential medical tools. Soldiers were introduced to a compact roll-out stretcher used for stabilizing patients, as well as hoist system components — including hoist lines and the jungle penetrator. U.S. instructors demonstrated how the hoist lines function, emphasizing proper attachment, balance and patient safety during extraction.

The joint training allowed both Philippine and U.S. Soldiers to build familiarity with life-saving equipment in a realistic setting — something that benefits both instructor and student.

“Mostly, we’re just trying to familiarize people with the equipment we use,” said Staff Sgt. Eleanora Raffaele, a flight paramedic with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, “Lightning Dustoff.” “But it’s also good for us, getting hands-on with a lot of that gear again. You can’t really teach experience, so it’s nice for us to get out there and work with it too.”

She said the opportunity to train with the Philippine Army added even more value to the day’s mission.

“We don’t usually get to work with them, so it was great to be able to walk them through it and help everyonethem get familiar with the systems we use,” Raffaele said.

Following the ground instruction, Philippine Army soldiers took part in a practical exercise using a U.S. Army MEDEVAC-configured helicopter, conducting aerial lifts with the jungle penetrator under guidance from U.S. flight medics.

Training events like this one highlight the growing partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Army — reinforcing the shared commitment to readiness, trust and seamless coordination in future joint operations across the Indo-Pacific.

By SPC Taylor Gray