Celebrating 25 Years of "Working Together" at 5 Wing Goose Bay

Nestled in the easternmost province of Canada, Happy Valley-Goose Bay is an enchanting wonderland that beckons visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, warm community, and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque town, located in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is home to 5 Wing Goose Bay (Goose Bay), a Royal Canadian Air Force base that conducts and supports a wide variety of military operations. The base boasts a fascinating history, first serving as a staging site for thousands of Canadian- and American-built fighters and bombers en route to Europe for the second World War. Then becoming a flight training base, utilizing the massive 100,000+ sq kilometer training area, while also providing support to local NORAD control centers.

Over the last 25 years, Serco has been on the base supporting the Royal Canadian Air Force delivering all non-military base operations support. This is critical work being delivered by a proud group of Serco employees, nearly all of which call Happy Valley-Goose Bay home. Recently, Serco hosted an appreciation dinner for 25 employees and their spouses, to recognize and thank them for their support in the critical military emergencies and meaningful operations at Goose Bay. The attendees were part of the 44 original Serco employees who have been active since the contract was first awarded.

As part of the rich social fabric in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Serco actively supports a wide range of community activities. The company has a particular focus on Indigenous skills development and training, with over 40% of its workforce comprising Indigenous employees. Serco's commitment to the local Indigenous community is evident in its multimillion-dollar investments in various Indigenous businesses.

Serco is also dedicated to building a strong local talent pool by offering apprenticeships and work experience programs. These opportunities not only contribute to the personal and professional growth of employees but also help to nurture the town's local talent and ensure a thriving community.

Serco employees have consistently shown their dedication to helping one another. They have assisted fellow team members with home repair needs and offered support to colleagues facing difficult times. Firehall employees provided aid to a fellow paralyzed firefighter. Thanks to materials provided by the Royal Canadian Legion, these employees provided the labor and love to ensure a new access ramp was waiting for their co-worker upon his return from many months of rehabilitation. Serco employees also engaged in two separate re-shingling projects after co-workers were diagnosed with terminal cancer and stressed about leaving behind shingles that were in a state of disrepair. Serco provided the labor to ensure the shingles could be replaced, and this was one less thing the wives of these employees needed to worry about.

Moreover, the company actively engages in community initiatives, raising funds for causes such as the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Community Food Bank, as well as providing sponsorship to the local town arena, golf and ski clubs. Serco has provided countless amounts of in-kind support to various groups in the community such as the Roland Shears Christmas Hampers, he local running and snowmobile clubs, and the Rotary Club.

Additionally, Serco, in partnership with the local PSAC union, established a humanitarian fund to support both employees and community members facing financial hardships. The company also encourages continuous learning and growth by offering scholarships for employees and their dependents to pursue higher education, continuing education programs, and certifications. Serco scholarships are also available to Mealy Mountain Collegiate and the College of the North Atlantic graduates.

Their dedication extends beyond routine tasks such as moving 20 feet of snow during storms or handling massive loads of laundry; the team's contributions to the base are diverse and impactful. On several occasions, Serco employees have stepped back from the spotlight to ensure the focus remains on the customers they serve. One outstanding example of their above-and-beyond service is during emergencies, like when international flights were re-directed to Goose Bay as part of airspace restrictions after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The base also serves as an essential emergency evacuation site for the local Indigenous population during forest fires, further demonstrating their commitment to the community.

Indeed, the Goose Bay team's dedication and selfless service have earned them a reputation as a reliable and invaluable resource. Their impact can be witnessed in the numerous videos of commercial airflights making emergency landings at Goose Bay each year, displaying the trust and confidence placed in the team.