Hundreds of mourners gathered at an airbase in Nova Scotia Tuesday to remember three Canadian Forces members killed last week in a training exercise as "modest, everyday heroes."

Sgt. Duane Brazil, 39, Master Cpl. Kirk Noel, 33, and Cpl. Trevor McDavid, 31, died early Thursday morning when their Cormorant search-and-rescue helicopter crashed into the ocean off Canso, N.S.

A memorial service was held Tuesday afternoon for three men killed when their military helicopter crashed off Canso, N.S. From top, Sgt. Duane Brazil, 39, of Gander, N.L.; Master Cpl. Kirk Noel, 33, of St. Anthony, N.L.; and Cpl. Trevor McDavid, 31, of Sudbury, Ont.
(Courtesy of 14 Wing Greenwood)

The chief of Canada's air defence staff promised their deaths would not be forgotten.

"We will learn from what happened that night and put it to use so that future rescues will be safer and more effective," Lt.-Gen. Steve Lucas said during the service at 14 Wing Greenwood, where the crew was based.

Lucas, who recited the names of the dead, called them "quintessential examples of modest, everyday heroes."

The crew of seven was conducting a hoisting exercise when the helicopter crashed, officials said. The manoeuvre is a common training exercise in which a helicopter hovers above a ship or water as a crewman is lowered to complete a rescue.

The Four Sisters, a fishing boat, rescued the survivors, pulling two men from the water and two others off the partially submerged helicopter. Divers found the three others dead inside the aircraft.

Capt. Gabriel Ringuette, 41, Sgt. Martin Maloney, 49, Capt. Ronald Busch, 40, and Maj. Gordon Ireland, 42, survived the accident.

With their legs and faces bandaged, Maloney and Ireland sat in wheelchairs for the 90-minute ceremony to hear friends, family and colleagues remember the victims.

Vow to protect family

Speaking during the memorial, Cpl. Steve Pettie said he's lost more than a friend in McDavid.

"I've lost a brother and I will truly miss you. I will try my best to fill your shoes, watch over your family and protect your children," said Pettie.

"My final words to you, Trevor, are: 'Standby crews are released. Rest in peace my brother.' "

McDavid's grief-stricken widow Gisele, who is heavily pregnant, sat surrounded by dozens of family members.

Sgt. Ron O'Reilly recalled how much Noel loved to sing, no matter where he was.

"It didn't matter if it was in an igloo in the far North, in a bar in Jasper or right here," he said.

'Always had a smile on his face'

Capt. Mike Janke remembered Brazil as a man devoted to his wife and two young daughters.

"He always had a smile on his face and it was very rare to see him angry," he said.

Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor and Nova Scotia Lt.-Gov. Myra Freeman were among the dignitaries attending the memorial service.

Freeman told relatives of the three airmen that the entire country is saddened by their deaths. She offered condolences on behalf of all Canadians.

Last week's crash was the second helicopter tragedy for the Brazil family. Brazil's brother, Gary, was killed in 2000 when the Canadian Coast Guard chopper he was travelling in crashed off Newfoundland.

The investigation into the crash is continuing. The helicopter's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been sent to Ottawa for analysis, and the surviving crew members have been interviewed.

The military had suspended the fleet of Cormorant helicopters from all but emergency flights, but that restriction was lifted on Tuesday.