Operation CALUMET

Operation CALUMET is Canada’s contribution to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), peacekeeping operation in the Sinai Peninsula.

Established in 1981, the MFO has its roots in the historic Camp David Accords of 1979 between Israel and Egypt. The peacekeeping force was the result of two years of negotiations brokered by the United States, and the mission has a continuing mandate.

With some 1,800 troops from 11 nations deployed across the Sinai Peninsula, the MFO monitors compliance by Israel and Egypt with the terms and conditions of the Camp David Accords. Operation CALUMET began in 1986 with the deployment of a helicopter unit with 140 Canadian Forces personnel; today, the Canadian contingent totals 28 personnel, including an air traffic control unit and administrative and support personnel located in El Gorah, Egypt.

The Canadian air traffic controllers provide a “flight following” service, a task that involves receiving regular position reports from MFO aircraft, issuing traffic advisories and weather reports, and transmitting flight plans. The Canadian contingent also includes two senior officers who serve in the appointments of Force Commander and Chief of Liaison for the mission, and a Chief Warrant Officer who serves as the Force Sergeant Major.