In Part 2 of this three-part series on the MSC Baltic III rescue, we continue the conversation with Major Pete Wright and Warrant Officer Greg Hudson as they describe the moment the call came in and the race to launch from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron in Gander.

They walk through the early stages of the mission - preparing the CH-149 Cormorant, coordinating the crew, and launching into challenging weather conditions off the coast of Newfoundland.

This episode takes listeners inside the cockpit and cabin as the rescue mission begins to unfold.

Before the dramatic MSC Baltic III rescue, years of training and experience prepared the crew. In Part 1, Major Pete Wright and Warrant Officer Greg Hudson share their paths into the RCAF SAR community and the lessons that shaped them.

Pete discusses his path to becoming a CH-149 Cormorant pilot, flying with 103 Search and Rescue Squadron in Gander, and lessons learned from an exchange tour with the U.S. Coast Guard. Greg shares how his deployment to Afghanistan and years of specialized training led him to the elite SAR Tech trade.

In Part 2 of this series, Major Sam Behm shares what it was like to command the first Canadian CC-130J Hercules mission tasked with evacuating personnel during the 2021 Kabul Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation.

She reflects on preparing her crew, making decisions under pressure, and leading in an environment defined by uncertainty and risk. Sam also speaks candidly about serving as the only female Hercules pilot in the RCAF for several years, the importance of mentorship through Elevate Aviation, and why International Women’s Day and Women of Aviation Worldwide Week matter in today’s military.

A conversation about command, courage, and representation in operational airlift.