Canada in Afghanistan

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Media Advisory - Inauguration of the M777 gun in Valcartier
VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, Jan. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Wednesday, January 17,
from 9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., gunners will proceed with the first live
shooting exercise of the new artillery gun M777 to qualify the crew for the
use of this gun.
For the occasion, media will have the opportunity to meet the gunners of
the 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada who will shoot live ammunitions
with the M777. These soldiers are actually in preparation for the deployment
in Afghanistan scheduled for August 2007.
The 155 mm calibre M777, purchased recently by the Canadian Forces, is
presently used in Afghanistan. Canadian troops were the first worldwide to use
this model of gun in an operational theatre.
This artillery gun, using leading edge technologies, is a light and
precise gun on the battlefield. Regular ammunitions allow effective and
precise fire up to 24 km.

Medias interested in covering the live firing of the M777 gun are
encouraged to contact Captain Vincent Bouchard, at the numbers available
below, to confirm their presence. Reporters must be at the front gate of the
Valcartier Garrison at 8:30 a.m., on January 17, to follow the only escort
leaving for to the training area.



For further information: Captain Vincent Bouchard, Public Affairs
Officer, Valcartier Garrison, (418) 844-5000, ext 4429, Pager: (418) 627-6993