A snowbird jet. (SOURCE: Royal Canadian Airforce via Twitter)

Thunder Bay, Geraldton, and Atikokan’s skies will be a little busier from Monday through Saturday.

Royal Canadian Airforce 435 Squadron is hosting its annual search and rescue exercise (SAREX).

RCAF planes, helicopters, US Coast Guard Helicopters, and SAREX Technicians parachuting may be visible. Residents may also see rescue equipment being parachuted from aircraft over drop zones.

The training will be occurring at various times throughout the week including at night. Measures are being taken to ensure minimal impact to those living near the training areas and residents are asked not to approach the drop zones.

This year’s exercise has a lengthy list of participants including the RCAF’s 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron (8 Wing Trenton), 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (CFB Petawawa), US Air Force 211th and 212th Rescue Squadron, US Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), RCMP, OPP, ORNGE, MNR, as well local health services and agencies.

Collaboration between search and rescue partners allows the sharing of best practices and enhances interoperability during rescue missions involving multiple agencies.

Canadian Armed Forces Search and Rescue crews are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week.