Canada's NAVAL accomplishments with NATO. On behalf of Canada are oft neglected or overshadowed by events in Afghanistan. The Canadian Navy is still hard at work in treacherous waters, as these headline stories tell.
This was the headline 27 March 09
Government of Canada Tasks HMCS Winnipeg to NATO Fleet
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/27/09 -- The Government of Canada today announced that Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg will be the fifth Canadian ship since 2006 to join the Standing NATO Maritime Group1 (SNMG1), this time in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. SNMG1 is a multinational, integrated maritime force consisting of vessels from the various Alliance nations, training and operating together as a single team.
HMCS Winnipeg's first mission will be to support Operation Allied Protector, the NATO approved plan for the deployment of SNMG1 vessels to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
30 March 09
Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Winnipeg crosses the Indian Ocean to join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) vessels to conduct counter-piracy operations of the coast of Somalia.
05 April 09 Little more than a week after slipping the quay in Esquimalt. Action Stations
OTTAWA - The Canadian warship HMCS Winnipeg has thwarted a pirate attack in the Arabian Sea.
The ship is currently participating in a NATO led counter-piracy mission known as Operation Allied Protector.
While engaging in escort duties, military officials say Winnipeg observed several small skiffs approaching the merchant vessel Pacific Opal.
The Pacific Opal radioed for help and Winnipeg dispatched a Sea King helicopter, causing the pirates to withdraw.
Lieutenant-General Michel Gauthier, Commander of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, said the incident highlights the importance of our mission and the efforts to make a difference with our coalition partners in the fight against piracy and international terrorism.
Winnipeg with a crew of approximately 240 officers and non-commissioned members, is based at Esquimalt, B.C. Within hours of averting the possible hijacking, HMCS Winnipeg also helped a boatload of 51 Somali refugees, including women and children, who were trying to cross the gulf to Yemen.Bravo Zulu to the crew of HMCS Winnipeg another fine ship of Canada's Navy.
The refugees, who had been at sea for about two days, were given food and water before continuing on their way,
The turnout for the wear red run on Saturday was fabulous and a good time was had by all. The best times in all categories is available at. www.peilegion.com Thanks again from Charlene and her Volunteers of the Military Familes Services centre PEI to all RUNNERS and Volunteers and spectators.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
