Newsletter of the Royal United Services Institute of Island ... 1 Volume 41, Number 1 – First Quarter 2010 RUSI Founded 1927 Newsletter of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island

Patron The Honourable HMCS Fredericton renders as- Steven L. Point, OBC Lieutenant Governor of sistance to container ship off

Board of Directors President the Somali coast Col (Ret) G Lake, OMM CD Vice President Cdr (Ret) WE Macdonald, OMM CD Treasurer Cdr (Ret) WE Macdonald, OMM CD At 1:13 p.m. local time (5:13 a.m. specialist, and headed towards the Secretary EST), HMCS Fredericton received vessel. “We didn’t know what to LCol (Ret) G Del Villano, OMM, CD information that the ransom for the expect, whether there were remain- Naval Directors MV KOTA WAJAR had been paid ing pirates onboard, what condition Cdr (Ret) WE Macdonald, OMM CD to the pirates onboard the ship and the crew was or how we would be Army Directors that it would be soon released from perceived” indicated the Naval MGen (Ret) E S Fitch, OMM,MSM,CD Col (Ret) G Lake, OMM CD captivity. HMCS Fredericton, as the Boarding Party Officer. But we are LCol (Ret) G. Del Villano, OMM, CD closest NATO or Coalition warship trained for these scenarios and take Maj (Ret) T Body CD to the MV, was ordered to close the every precaution to ensure the Air Force Directors vessels position and render what team’s and the Motor Vessel’s Col (Ret) W Weston CD BGen (Ret) D Macnamara, OMM CD medical and technical assistance she crew’s safety.” BGen (Ret) W Niemy, CD could to help the crew commence Once onboard, the Naval Boarding Maj (Ret) Luc Caron, CD their journey away from their cap- Party conducted a security sweep Director at Large tors. and verified that all the pirates had Ms P Skippon left. The medical specialist then as- Outreach Coordinator BGen (Ret) D Macnamara, OMM CD “It was very fortunate that we were sessed all 21 crew members on- RUSI Newsletter in close proximity to the KOTA board and declared them in good Editor: Capt (Ret) LE Triplett WAJAR and able to act as fast as we health. With the vessel physically Publisher: LCol CL Cotter CD could to provide them assistance as and technically able to sail to a safe

Published quarterly for distribution to they cleared Somali waters” said port of call, the Naval Boarding the members of the Royal United Commander Steve Waddell, Com- Party provided the crew with fresh Services Institute of Vancouver Island Suggestions manding Officer of HMCS Frederic- food and bottled water and departed are encouraged. ton. “As my team prepared for the the vessel. The RUSI-VI Office is located at: mission, it helped to understand the Bay Street Armoury 715 Bay Street, Room 414 plight that this crew just endured and Said Cmdr Waddell “If anyone ever Victoria, BC V8T 1R1 that we could offer just a little bit of needed a reason to understand why Telephone: call any director Email: [email protected] humanity to them”. Fredericton is here, it was made Web site: http://rusiviccda.org clear today with this vessel - no law Webmaster: Capt DA Booker Once the Motor Vessel’s Captain abiding sailor should ever have to requested assistance, Fredericton’s endure what these men have en- See the RUSI Calendar of Naval Boarding Party assembled dured.” Events on page 8. their experts, including a medical Source: CF News Release - December

Volume 41, Number 1 – First Quarter 2010 ` to become the first Air Force honor- in 2006 with pay and recently sus- Senator Pamela Wallin ary colonel and explained why she pended without pay. He has been was perfectly suited to the position. ordered to resign from the Force or is newest Air Force “Your military family background,” be dismissed. His dismissal has been Honorary Colonel he said, “your intimate understand- appealed. ing of the military and of Canadian culture and public issues, your busi- I have spoken to Ottawa Police Chief Senator Pamela Wallin, now Honor- ness acumen, your diplomatic work, Vern White to offer our sympathy ary Colonel Wallin, entered Ottawa’s your contribution to the Manley and support. We will continue to RCAF officer’s mess November 16 Report, your service in the Senate keep Constable Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czap- for her investiture with a pride that and on various committees, and, of nik and his family in our thoughts was palpable. course, your tireless work in edu- and prayers. cating Canadians about their mili- “I feel a very strong connection to tary, all make you a most welcome William J.S. Elliott [Air Force] blue today, and a particu- addition to the honorary colonel lar pride,” HCol Wallin said, refer- extended family.” Source: RCMP News Release – 29 ring to the seven members of her im- December 2009 mediate family who have served in The investiture ceremony was the the Air Force over the years. Those formalization of her three-year term family members include her father, as honorary colonel for the Air Afghan MPs reject Most Sergeant (Ret) Bill Wallin, who Staff, located at NDHQ. By exten- served as a Second World War tail sion, she is also honorary colonel of Karzi Cabinet Ministers gunner and who attended his daugh- the entire Air Force. Hers is the first ter’s investiture. appointment to this new post. Parliament rejected 17 of President Fresh from her recent visit to Af- Source: The Maple Leaf – 9 De- Karzai's 24 nominees for cabinet in- ghanistan for Remembrance Day cember 2009 - by Holly Bridges cluding those for Justice, Anti- with Defence Minister Peter Mac- Narcotics, and the sole woman nomi- Kay, HCol Wallin praised members nee, though Defence Minister Abdul of the Air Force for the work they are Rahim Wardak and Interior Minister doing in the war-torn country and the RCMP Commissioner's Hanif Atmar were reappointed with- hope they are bringing to the people out difficulty. Karzai ordered Parlia- of . Statement on the ment's six-week winter recess to be death of Ottawa Police suspended until the cabinet issue is “We travelled to Kandahar and four Service Constable Eric resolved, and will present a new list forward operating bases, up to the of candidates for vetting in a few Dahla Dam,” she said, “and we did it It was with profound sadness that I all in Canadian Chinooks piloted by learned that Ottawa Police Consta- Although Parliament's rejection of Canadian crews with air cover by ble Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik was Karzai's nominees demonstrated the Canadians in the Griffons. killed while on duty in Ottawa early former's independence, the matter is this morning. shaping up to become a power strug- “And walking out onto the airfield gle between Karzai and parliamen- on our last morning at KAF On my own behalf and on behalf of tarians, delaying much-needed re- [Kandahar Airfield], it did my heart the RCMP, I would like to express forms to address widespread corrup- good. It was a moment of great pride our deepest condolences to Consta- tion days. Although Parliament's that we are now seeing our troops ble Ireneusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik`s fam- rejection of Karzai's nominees dem- properly equipped and able to do ily and to all of the employees of onstrated the former's independence, their work. You are saving lives.” the Ottawa Police Service. the matter is shaping up to become a power struggle between Karzai and In his remarks after her investiture, I was also shocked to learn that the parliamentarians, delaying much- Chief of the Air Staff Lieutenant- individual who has been arrested needed reforms to address wide- General André Deschamps thanked and charged with Constable Ire- spread corruption. HCol Wallin for accepting the invi- neusz ‘Eric’ Czapnik`s murder is a Source: MARPAC's Indo-Pacific Me- dia Brief: 4 January 2010 tation member of the RCMP, Constable Kevin Gregson of "F" Division BBC News, 2 January 2010 & Wash- (Saskatchewan) who was suspended ington Post, 4 January 2010

Newsletter of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island ... 3 faced with breaches of the CF Army Commander rolls Code of Conduct, the Law of Naval Centennial Flag out new Army ethics guide Armed Conflict or international and humanitarian law. Raised

Chief of the Land Staff Lieuten- During the Army Council meeting ant-General Andrew Leslie in November, the Army com- On the first of January 2010, launched Duty with Discernment: mander presented a copy of the CLS Guidance on Ethics in Op- HMC ships and shore establish- booklet to the commanders of ments marked the beginning of the erations in late November. Land Force Western Area, Land Canadian Navy’s centennial year Force Central Area, Land Force by raising a flag adorned with the The booklet provides guidance on Atlantic Area and Land Force the ethical conduct that the Army centennial identifier. Naval estab- Doctrine and Training System. lishments are authorized to fly the commander expects from all flag from January 1 through the Army personnel in the new global In giving the commanders their Navy's Centennial Year. operating environment. Duty with copies, LGen Leslie initiated the Discernment establishes that the “cascade effect” through an foundation of “ethical certainty” Army-wide “pass-by-hand” distri- The flag stands as a symbol of re- rests on an uncompromising ad- bution of personal copies of Duty spect that reflects the desire to herence to “respecting the dignity with Discernment. OP CASCADE honour the past, celebrate Cana- of all persons”. 2009 will ensure that about 300 dian Navy achievements and rec- units and their associated com- ognize the navy’s obligation to “Duty with Discernment … pro- manding officers will receive their . vides a clear statement that we copies over a period of 60 days. aspire to earn and maintain the On 4 May 2010, the Canadian public trust of a Canadian society “Duty with Discernment will ulti- Navy will celebrate its 100th anni- that will never accept a Canadian mately succeed,” LGen Leslie versary. The centennial will be a said, “when all Canadian soldiers soldier acting on their behalf in an momentous milestone in both the adopt a warrior’s ethos that re- unethical or inhumane manner,” navy’s and Canada’s history. flects our obligations of service, LGen Leslie said in a message to our values and our commitment to Events and activities to celebrate all soldiers. “By that, I mean that the expectations of Canadian soci- we must know, without a doubt, the navy’s centennial will take ety.” place across the country through- what ethical warriors will do in the service of Canada, and what ... out the year. Duty with Discernment is part of they unequivocally will not do.” the Army Ethics Programme, Source: CF News Release - 29 which applies to all Regular Force December 2009 LGen Leslie emphasized that the and Primary Reserve personnel, Army is a learning organization. and civilian employees. The book- Current operations have taught the let raises awareness of their ethi- Army that “our people—both at cal obligation to demonstrate in- home and abroad—are our most tegrity, loyalty, courage, honesty, valuable resource.” In addition, he fairness and individual responsi- indicated that the bility. command personnel and the lead- ership and training personnel are For more information concerning committed to the force-generation the Army Ethics Programme, of an ethical warrior. please visit www.aep-peat.forces.gc.ca. These warriors are empowered to To watch LGen Leslie’s video know what right looks like. They message, please visit www.army.gc.ca. must also have the moral courage Source: The Maple Leaf – 9 De- to act ethically and legally when cember 2009 Afghanistan CC 130 Hercules (With apologies To Kipling) vs by an anonymous British soldier CF 18 Hornet

When you're lying alone in your Afghani bivvy, A Herc was lumbering And your life it depends on some MOD civvie along when a Hornet When the body armour’s shared (one set between three), flashed by. The jet jockey And the firefight’s not like it is on TV, decided to show off. Then you’ll look to your oppo, your gun and your God, As you follow that path all Tommies have trod. The fighter jock told the Herc driver, 'watch this!' When the gimpy has jammed and you’re down to one round, and promptly went into a And the faith that you’d lost is suddenly found. barrel roll followed by a When the Taliban horde is close up to the fort, steep climb. He then fin- And you pray that the arty don’t drop a round short. ished with a sonic boom as Stick to your sergeant like a good squaddie should, he broke the sound barrier. And fight them like Satan or one of his brood The Hornet pilot asked the Herc pilot what he thought Your pay it won’t cover your needs or your wants, of the maneuver. So just stand there and take all the Taliban’s taunts Not generals nor civvies can do aught to amend it, The Herc pilot said, 'That Except make sure you’re kept in a place you can’t spend it. was impressive, but watch Three fifty an hour in your Afghani cage, this!' The Herc droned Not nearly as much as the minimum wage. along for about 5 minutes and then its pilot radioed: Your missus at home in a foul married quarter 'What did you think of With damp on the walls and a roof leaking water that?' Your kids miss their mate, their hero, their dad; They’re missing the childhood that they should have had Puzzled, the Hornet pilot One day it will be different, one day by and by, asked, 'What the heck did As you all stand there and watch, to see the pigs fly you do?'

Just like your forebears in mud, dust and ditch The Herc pilot chuckled. 'I You’ll march and you’ll fight, and you’ll drink and you’ll stood up, stretched my legs, bitch walked to the back, took a Whether Froggy or Zulu, or Jerry, or Boer leak, then got a cup of cof- The Brits will fight on ‘til the battle is over. fee and a cinnamon roll.' You may treat him like dirt, but nowt will unnerve him But I wonder sometimes, if the country deserves him

Newsletter of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island ... 5

Also attending were the stu- Medal of Military Bravery RUSI VI – 2010 dents enrolled in this year’s MCpl Michael CJ Bursey Membership Dues course: Jon Blencoe, Caro- Sgt Martin Joseph Jean Côté line Duncan, Andrew Pye, WO John Crane Tyson Rosberg, Liz Wil- Cpl Mark Ejdrygiewicz liams and Jehan Zouak. Sgt Russell JR Gregoire This is a reminder that annual Ryan Hill was unable to at- Sgt Jason William Kapitaniuk dues - $ 30.00 for an individ- tend. Cpl Jordan K Kochan ual and $ 40.00 for a family – MCpl Paul Raychynski can be paid at the monthly Thanks are extended to our Cpl Anthony Rotondi luncheon or sent to the RUSI four Service Coordinators WO Dale Milton Verge Office (address on Page 1). for their assistance on this If you are unsure when you project: -Wilf Lund (Navy); last paid, please ask your Charles Goodman and Five Feet Tall is Very telephone caller or enquire at Barry Phillips (Army); and Tall Indeed the luncheon. Lorne Holland (Air). At an investiture at Bucking- Upon payment, new member- The veterans who have ham Palace in November ship cards can be picked up at kindly volunteered to be in- 2009, Able Seaman Kate the next luncheon or, if not terviewed on their personal Nesbitt 21, became the first convenient, will be mailed to experiences in the students’ woman in the Royal Navy to you. selected subject areas in- receive the Military Cross. clude Fred Ashbaugh; Nigel While under fire from Tali- Members are reminded that Brodeur; John Edmondson; ban forces, Nesbitt adminis- changes of address, e-mails Albert Fowler; Chic Good- tered emergency medical or telephone numbers can be man; William Hughes; Jim treatment which saved the communicated to any RUSI Kempling; Don Lee; Derek life of Lance Corporal John Director. Norman; Barry Phillips; List, a 22-year-old soldier of Herb Pitts; Alex Reid; Fred 1st Battalion, The Rifles. Sproule; Wilf Sutherland; 2009 MILITARY Terry Swan; Bob Welland; ORAL HISTORY Billy Willbond; George COURSE Wilkinson; and Bob Yanow.

At the 14 October luncheon, Valour and Bravery RUSI members welcomed Decorations Since Dr. Jim Wood, a new mem- ber to RUSI and the new October 2009 teacher of this year’s Military Oral History course at the Star of Military Valour University of Victoria. WO David George Shultz

Volume 41, Number 1 – First Quarter 2010

New US Air Dr. Trevor Greene The Last Post Traveler Screen- Afghanistan ing Captain (Ret) Trevor Greene of the Seaforth Highlanders of Can- -Pte Garrett William Chidley, Focuses on 14 ada was awarded the degree Doctor of Civil Law (Honoris 21, of Cambridge ON, 31 Causa) by his Alma Mater, The December 2009 The Transportation Security Ad- University of King’s College in ministration has announced new -Ms Michelle Lang, 34, of . Capt. Greene fol- screening procedures following Calgary AB, 31 December lowed his education at the Uni- critiques that intelligence offi- 2009* versity of King's College with cials failed to prevent the several years as a journalist and -Sgt George Miok, 28, of Ed- botched Christmas Day terrorist advocate for the homeless, and monton AB, 31 December attack on a Detroit-bound North- later joined the Canadian mili- west Airlines plane by a Nige- 2009 tary. In March 2004, during a rian man that US officials be- -Cpl Zachery McCormack, community meeting with villag- lieve was trained in Yemen by ers in Kandahar, Afghanistan, a 21, of Edmonton AB, 31 De- al-Qaeda; fellow passengers sub- young man struck Capt. Greene cember 2009 dued him after he attempted to from behind with an axe to the -Lt Andrew Richard Nuttall, blow up the plane. head. Since the attack, he has 30, of Victoria BC, 23 De- pushed through a tough recov- In addition to random security cember 2009. ery, but in the face of his own searches on inbound flights, air difficulties, the solider has -Sgt Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yar- travelers coming from or passing sought to reach out to others and mouth NS, 31 December through 14 nations will undergo share his very personal message 2009 full-body pat-downs before of hope. boarding, have carry-on baggage *Ms Lang was the first Canadian searched, and possibly undergo Journalist to die with the Canadian The same core values that lead advanced explosive detection Forces in Afghanistan and her re- him to working with such volun- and imaging scans. The nations mains began their repatriation teer initiatives as Ethiopia Airlift included are Afghanistan, Alge- journey with those of her military in his early adulthood, to provid- ria, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, colleagues in a Kandahar Ramp ing a voice to the unheard with Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Ceremony. his book on the missing prosti- Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, tutes of Vancouver and another and Yemen, nearly all of which on homelessness in Japan, and to are Muslim countries. becoming a CIMIC officer, are The Last Post now leading him to inspire oth- Although the full impact of the ers with his story of courage and new measures cannot be as- strength. Through filmmaker sessed until more time has Sue Ridout's documentary Peace passed, it is very probable that at Adm (Ret) Robert Falls, Warrior, his own forthcoming the very least widespread time book on his journey during and 6 November 2009. delays will be incurred, and re- after the tragic events in Kanda- Adm Falls was the first navy sentment against the US will har, and a sheer willingness to officer to hold the position of likely grow in these countries. tell his story, Capt. Greene has Chief of the Defence Staff. Source: MARPAC’s Indo-Pacific continued to make an impact on He was 85. Media Brief – 4 January 2010, those in need, providing a real Reuters Canada - 3 January 2010 taste of hope.

Newsletter of the Royal United Services Institute of Vancouver Island ... 7 The proposed change to The question remains: The President’s the RUSI VI Constitution

Notes is one that will allow us to Do we want RUSI VI to slowly grow our member- become an organization ship by taking what is that continues to grow with now an organization with A few years ago RUSI VI, a membership based on of- a membership based pri- as an organization, was at ficers and others who share marily on military officers death’s door. Energetic a common interest in na- and to offer it to others members saved the day tional security and the Ca- who share our interest in and RUSI VI was resusci- nadian Forces? the aim and purpose of tated and today we are on RUSI VI. firm ground. Or:

There are two primary ad- Presently our membership Will RUSI VI remain an vantages to this prospec- hovers around 175 and organization with a mem- tive change: the facilities we now use bership based primarily on at the Armories could retired officers who each 1) Since Ordinary and As- support a membership of year grow a little older, be- sociate Members have the 200. We have tried vari- come a little slower and same rights and privi- ous methods to grow our eventually won’t be capa- leges, maintaining two membership, all without ble of providing the heart- categories of membership noticeable success. Each beat that RUSI VI needs to has become an adminis- month I have the privilege remain viable and, like trative task without pur- of introducing new mem- other such organizations, pose. bers but what I fail to do eventually become a foot- is also announce a similar note in the history of Van- 2) A single category of number of members who couver Island? membership would allow have, for various reasons, RUSI VI to offer an Ordi- chosen to withdraw from Only the membership can nary Membership to pro- RUSI VI. answer these questions. fessionals and executives Please be present when who have an interest in I believe RUSI VI, for these questions are placed the military and the aims the time being, has before the membership at of RUSI and are approved reached a steady state but the RUSI VI Annual Gen- by your Board of Direc- membership will, I fear, eral Meeting in March eventually start to steadily tors. 2010. decline. Gene Lake President RUSI VI

Volume 41, Number 1 – First Quarter 2010 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Wednesday, 13 January 2010 ⇒ SPEAKER: BGen David Millar, OMM, CD, Commander, Joint Task Force North ⇒ TOPIC: 'Canada's Interests in the North' th ⇒ PLACE: 5 (BC) Field Regt RCA Officers’ Mess, Room 312, Bay Street Armoury ⇒ TIME: 1130 FOR 1200 Hrs Luncheon ⇒ COST: $20.00 (pay at the door) ⇒ BGen David Millar served in a series of Aircraft Engineering positions with tactical fighter squadrons and in staff positions at 1 Canadian Air Division HQ. BGen Millar was promoted to Colonel in January 2003. In December 2005, BGen Millar was posted to the Strategic Joint Staff in NDHQ, Ottawa as the Director of Support Operations. BGen Millar was promoted on 6 Jun 2008 to his current rank to assume command of Joint Task Force (North).

Wednesday, 27 January 2010 – Special Luncheon at Union Club ⇒ SPEAKER: Col Greg Burt, OMM, CD ⇒ TOPIC: Securing Afghanistan – Canada’s Exit Strategy ⇒ $25 for RUSI and UC Members, $29 for non-member guests ⇒ TIME: 1115 hrs for 1145 hrs ⇒ Reservations required: 250 384 1151 or [email protected]

Wednesday, 10 February 2010 ⇒ SPEAKER: RAdm (Ret) Ken Summers, OMM, MSC, CD ⇒ TOPIC: Reflections on Afghanistan th ⇒ PLACE: 5 (BC) Field Regt RCA Officers’ Mess, Room 312, Bay Street Armoury ⇒ TIME: 1130 FOR 1200 Hrs Luncheon ⇒ COST: $20.00 (pay at the door)

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 ⇒ RUSI VI Annual General Meeting ⇒ Speaker to be announced

2010 Heads-up! Don Macnamara advises that LGen Marcel Duval, NORAD’s Deputy Commander and BGen John Vance, commander of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan will likely speak with us in 2010 – but that we may have to arrange special dates for them.

The views expressed by the authors of articles in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the Views of RUSI VI.