The national news magazine of the

CrowsnestVol. 10, No. 3 Summer 2016 www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca

Building skills and respect with global partners HMCS Fredericton departs Malaga, Spain after a port visit in late May. Photo: Cpl Anthony Chand

Building skills and respect with global partners

By Darlene Blakeley “For the RCN, excellence in collaborate in defining future operations at sea hinges upon a requirements and capability hether it’s working with network of strong relationships acquisition. Spain in the Medit- cultivated with our allies and partners “Maritime forces provide the Werranean, sending naval at home and abroad,” says Vice- government with a unique and officers on liaison visits to Tunisia or Ron Lloyd, RCN. effective military means through sailing with 26 other countries in “Strategic cooperation continues to which its influence and leadership exercises like Rim of the Pacific drive our requirements for high levels can be projected on an ongoing (RIMPAC), the Royal Canadian Navy of interoperability to ensure our forces basis,” VAdm Lloyd says. “The same (RCN) continues to develop and will be able to work alongside one enduring attributes of maritime forces strengthen alliances with like-minded another on missions that are that provide governments with a wide navies, while at the same time becoming increasingly joint, com- range of options to prevent or contain exploring relationships with new bined, and whole-of-government in conflict also make them ideal partners. nature.” instruments of a nation’s diplomatic Within the context of the He explains that these relationships efforts.” Department of National Defence/ are built and sustained not only The RCN conducts global ’ global through complex and realistic engagement by taking part in activities engagement plan, the RCN recog- exercises at sea, but also through that support ’s interests nizes that along with maintaining arrangements by which we exchange worldwide, including operations and traditional relationships, it must also personnel, share information and exercises, port visits, personnel engage new partners, including those intelligence, collaborate in maritime exchanges, training, conferences and facing instability or with whom research and development, collec- symposiums, and high-level visits. tensions might exist. tively develop our tactics, and These activities help develop

Senior Advisor Crowsnest is published on the authority of the Commander Royal Commander Kris Phillips Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd. Comments are welcome and Head, Navy Public Affairs can be sent to: Navy Public Affairs Senior Editor and Writer National Defence Headquarters Darlene Blakeley 11ST, 101 By Dr., K1A 0K2 Navy Public Affairs or [email protected] For the online version of this publication and for more information about the Royal Canadian Navy, visit www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca. Cover page: HMCS Fredericton, right, sails with allied ships in the Black Sea. Photo: MCpl Sebastian Allain If you would like an email subscription to Crowsnest, send your request to [email protected] to be added to our list.

2 ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca Photo: Cpl Anthony Chand relationships and regional expertise to initiative is focused on the Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton build both security capacity and enhancement of military defence and and two Canadian sailors attached to interoperability with partners and allies security relationships with key NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour at sea. They also develop enduring nations,” he explains. “In this vein, the Special Operations Command and commitments that help support establishment and enhancement of a Control Element (SOCCE), worked regional engagement and permit military relationship with Tunisia will with Spanish, Italian and Moroccan forward deployments that contribute to both demonstrate Canada’s support navies during a Special Operations the RCN’s strategic readiness in for the relatively new democratic Forces (SOF) exercise conducted as maritime hotspots. government of Tunisia, while also part of a scheduled port visit to The ability to understand and promoting stability and security in this Casablanca, Morocco. possibly access the advanced troubled region.” According to RCN Commander capabilities of our allies while In May, Canada entered into a James Strickland, who has deployed allows the RCN to maintain security partnership with Tunisia to aid commanded the SOCCE since a competitive operational advantage in the fight against terrorism. December 2015, the scenario was in a changing maritime security LCdr Lund says the Canadian based around a target ship (HMCS environment, while standing ready to Armed Forces (CAF) are already Fredericton) suspected of transporting deter or move against those who engaged with several other nations in illegal arms that would be used to would act against its interests. Africa in an effort to promote security support terrorist activities. The Recent high-profile activities include and stability in the region writ large. scenario was considered an “opposed RIMPAC, the world’s largest “In contributing to this CAF-wide boarding”, meaning that the ship’s international maritime exercise, and endeavour, the RCN will continue to crew was actively opposing the the Inter-American Naval Conference execute its role as tasked by the NATO/Moroccan attempts to board the held in Halifax in June, where navies Government of Canada in support of ship. The Moroccan and Spanish SOF of the Americas met to discuss how the overarching global engagement teams conducted the initial boarding they can work together to face the initiative. If other countries are and called the Canadian ENBP challenges of the current and future identified to be included in this forward to conduct searches and other maritime environment. initiative, we stand ‘Ready, Aye tasks. “Our sailors and ships are ideally Ready’.” “One of the primary objectives of the suited to visit and engage with other exercise was to facilitate a tactical countries and their navies to promote Facilitating relationships with relationship between NATO SOF and Canada’s security and national Mediterranean partners partner forces in order to set the interests as a normal part of their In the Mediterranean this spring, the conditions for a persistent relationship operational activity,” says VAdm Lloyd. “This engagement helps build practical RCN’s enhanced naval boarding party between them,” explains Cdr skills together with mutual (ENBP), along with Her Majesty’s Strickland. “This is part of NATO’s understanding and respect.”

Engaging with Tunisia The RCN’s engagement with emerging partners was highlighted in February when three naval officers travelled to Tunisia to conduct an initial needs assessment and liaison visit with leadership and various elements of the Tunisian Navy (TN). “The visit was a key opportunity to interact with and understand TN capabilities and force generation practices with a view to identifying potential areas where both nations’ navies could benefit from an exchange of personnel, training and best practices,” says - Commander Wil Lund, who spent five days in Tunis, Tunisia. Like many other bi-national relationships, small-scale engagement opportunities, exercises and personnel

exchanges could help both the RCN l’Armée de Mer Tunisienne courtesy of Photo and TN, according to LCdr Lund. Canadian sailors exchange ball caps with a member of the Tunisian Navy during a recent “The RCN global engagement visit.

www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 3 maritime security capacity building with Mediterranean Dialogue partners (a forum of cooperation between NATO and seven countries of the Mediterranean) such as Morocco.” He adds that multinational exposure is essential to the development of the RCN’s niche capabilities. “Oppor- tunities like this exercise are invaluable in the maturation of the ENBP team. Many of us espouse the axiom ‘train as you fight’, so working alongside both NATO and partner nations is a great step forward.” Cdr Strickland suggests that every NATO nation should seize the opportunity to engage with other Brent Kenny Cpl Photo: countries. “In the preparation and HMCS Vancouver departs , B.C., in mid-June for the Rim of the Pacific Exercise execution of this exercise, the (RIMPAC), the world’s largest international maritime exercise. commitment that Spain and Canada displayed was commendable as both While sharpening sailors’ skills, the navy,” says Lieutenant (Navy) Arthur expended substantial effort to ensure REGULUS program also helps Halpenny, former REGULUS Personnel that this exercise was a success.” strengthen relationships with allied Coordinator. “The RCN is now more nations. agile and capable to operate with Exchange visits Canada is currently one of partner navies, as the program not Since 2010, over 150 sailors have 10 countries participating in the only builds relationships at the participated in the REGULUS program, along with Australia, Chile, candidate level, but at the staff level program, which facilitates exchanges France, Ireland, New Zealand, Peru, as well.” with partner navies from around the Portugal, the United Kingdom and the Originally implemented as a way to world, providing unique training United States. get more RCN sailors to sea during a opportunities and exposing sailors to “This growing interoperability is vital period of reduced sailing opportunities the diverse cultures of allied navies. to sustain a relevant, world-class as a result of the Halifax-Class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension program, REGULUS is now shifting focus. The resounding success of the program has shown its potential to address current capability challenges in order to ensure the RCN maintains operational excellence, both at home and abroad. The REGULUS program will continue to employ RCN sailors abroad to maintain their training, development, qualifications and at-sea experience during this period of , ongoing modernization and procurement within the fleet. In summary, no nation can achieve the entirety of its defence and security objectives alone. In today’s security environment, relationship-building, cooperation and transparency are paramount to building a safer world and reducing threats and volatility. The RCN will continue to maintain its strong ties with traditional allies, while at the same time reaching out to new

Photo: Cpl Anthony Chand Anthony Cpl Photo: and emerging countries to build Members of HMCS Fredericton’s boarding party participate in a multinational exercise in the strategic relationships that benefit all Mediterranean Sea. partners.

4 ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca Lt(N) Cross. Logistics team helps coordinate Throughout the deployment, the FLS team keeps in contact with the successful overseas deployment logistics team on board the ship to efficiently coordinate efforts. By Lieutenant (Navy) Tim Woodworth the services that the ship would “When away on NATO missions and receive alongside, on a much smaller other such deployments we have the “One of the fundamental keys to scale.” FLS team which works with local success in expeditionary operations is When planning a port visit, the FLS agents, customs officials and often the the sustainment of forces. A deployed team has to account for everything embassy to ensure the smooth warship’s ability to effectively operate from language barriers and cultural movement of personnel and is completely dependent on the differences to visa requirements. Most shipments,” explains Lt(N) Crystal logistical support,” says Commander of their tasks are routine, but they Chenell, head logistics on Trevor MacLean, Commanding Officer occasionally respond to unexpected board Fredericton. “They will typically of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship requests. For instance, the FLS team arrive in the upcoming port a week in Fredericton. facilitated a memorial service at a advance to feed the ship information Fredericton, with a crew of cemetery in Souda Bay where five on the berth, town and other points of approximately 250 personnel, is members interest.” currently on a six-month mission with are buried. Once Fredericton arrives in port, a Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 Whether they are working to uphold combined team from the ship, which (SNMG2), under Operation morale or maintain essential functions, includes the chief cook, senior supply Reassurance. the logistics team is fundamental to technician and physician’s assistant Alongside the other ships of everyday operations on the ship. among others, begins a hectic routine. SNMG2, Fredericton has participated “Their effectiveness could determine Tasks that require attention include in exercises and patrols in the the outcome of an operational inspecting rations, bilge disposal, Mediterranean Sea. On April 1, situation as it can determine if a vehicle rentals, and receiving SNMG2 was repositioned to the sensor or weapon can be brought shipments from Canada. The rest of Aegean Sea to conduct surveillance, back on line in minutes or hours,” the crew form long lines, from the ship reconnaissance and monitoring of says Cdr MacLean. to the docks, to pass along new migrant crossings. (The ship returned The FLS team is always looking supplies to the inner sections of the to the Mediterranean Sea in late ahead and making preparations in vessel. These activities contribute to April.) The planning, training and anticipation of future port visits. They ship replenishments being conducted preparations to get to this point were have a schedule of where the ship in an efficient and productive manner. extensive and comprehensive. Part of plans to go, but they must also be When the ship leaves the harbour, Fredericton’s success can be reactive to any changes. “We need the FLS team moves to the next port attributed to hard work by logistics to expect the unexpected,” says – and the process begins again. personnel. The logistics demands of an Master Seaman operation are plentiful, such as “the Tammy Roberts, a frequent acquisition of rations for the steward on board HMCS Fredericton, crew, the timely transfer of parts for cuts a watermelon critical equipment from Canada, and for a centrepiece. the safe and efficient movement of personnel in and out of theatre, just to name a few,” explains Cdr MacLean. The gears started turning before the ship left its home port of Halifax in January. Fredericton was supplied and made ready by the ship’s logistics department and the supporting entities in Halifax. From there, the Forward Logistics Support (FLS) team took over. Among other responsibilities, the FLS team coordinates port visits for the ship throughout the operation. “We’re a small mobile team that can relocate anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice during the operation,” says Lieutenant (Navy) Ian Cross,

FLS Commander. “We take on all of Chand Anthony Cpl Photo: www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 5 Ready for the STORM

HMCS Fredericton’s enhanced naval boarding party heads off to participate in a multinational exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.

6 ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca By Darlene Blakeley In creating the MTOG, the RCN has taken the “Ready for the storm.” first important steps in providing deployed This is the motto of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new Maritime ships with an advanced force protection Tactical Operations Group (MTOG), capability. and it is a serious reflection of a team specifically trained to conduct which their mental, physical, emotional Each module starts off with basic maritime interdiction operations in a and psychological attributes are training scenarios that build on high-risk environment. assessed in order to confirm their previous lessons. With increasing focus on operations ability to successfully complete the “As training progresses, these in the littoral (coastal) regions of the “three-month Maritime Tactical lessons increase in complexity in a world and the potential for adversaries Operator Course (MTOC). manner that will constantly challenge to exploit the maritime domain, the If the candidates are successful, the students to learn and improve RCN continues to confront an they proceed to the MTOC where their core skills,” says LCdr Lund. evolving, dynamic and complex students are trained using teaching “Students who have successfully maritime environment, according to methods that combine coaching, completed the previous modules will Lieutenant-Commander Wil Lund, mentoring and high stress reality- be challenged with a final realistic MTOG Commanding Officer. based scenarios tailored to the scenario that will assess all skills “In creating the MTOG,” he says, specific personal and mental attributes taught and validate their ability to act “the RCN has taken the first important demonstrated during selection. independently on operations.” steps in providing deployed ships with Students are trained in essential The first group of 13 students an advanced force protection skills via a series of modules such as successfully passed the MTOC in capability, as well as the ability to hand-to-hand combat; advanced March 2015, and since then there conduct advanced obstructed medical training; improvised explosive have been two additional courses, boardings independently. They can device (IED) identification; close- graduating eight and 12 students also integrate with Canadian Special quarters battle; and tactical shooting. respectively. A combination of new Operations Forces Command forces in order to provide support to opposed boardings.” As it currently stands, certain RCN vessels maintain a naval boarding party (NBP) composed of members of a ship’s company who perform these duties in addition to their primary duty on board. Though traditional NBPs are capable of conducting limited obstructed boardings, developing threats require a unit capable of meeting a new level of risk. To best meet this need, the MTOG was created. The MTOG trains enhanced naval boarding party (ENBP) teams comprised of personnel who receive significant advanced training and for whom boarding and force protection operations are a full-time duty. “These teams are specifically trained to employ a wide spectrum of tactics,” explains LCdr Lund. “As a result, units with this new capability will be able to more effectively confront and deter threats.” Potential candidates for the MTOG are volunteers recruited from sea element personnel across the RCN,

both Regular and Reserve Forces. Chand Anthony Cpl Photos: These volunteer candidates are put Boarding party members from HMCS Fredericton climb the side of Italian Ship Aliseo during through a selection process during an exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.

www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 7 graduates and “veterans” from Canadian sailor attached to NATO’s ENBP can make a solid contribution previous courses form the new Operation Active Endeavour who led to NATO. Canadians should be proud ENBPs. the Special Operations Command and of the team’s performance in front of Control Element during the exercise. our allies and partners.” Deploying the ENBPs “With only one rehearsal, the ENBP LCdr Lund adds that in addition to The RCN has deployed two teams seamlessly integrated into the its tactical capability, the team to date with Her Majesty’s Canadian exercise. The capabilities that the provided weapons, physical fitness Ships Winnipeg and Fredericton ENBP brought to the table, along with and force protection training while respectively, as part of Operation their individual skill levels and aboard Winnipeg and Fredericton. Reassurance, Canada’s support to professionalism, were second to none. “Overall, it had a positive impact on NATO assurance measures in Central This was noticed and commented the effectiveness of the ships,” he and Eastern Europe. Most recently, upon by both Spanish and Moroccan says. Fredericton’s team participated in an personnel.” The new MTOG and its ENBP international exercise with Spanish He also notes that the ENBP’s capability will continue to provide the and Moroccan Special Operations preparation for the exercise started Canadian Armed Forces and the RCN Forces. well before the team climbed a ladder with the agility, flexibility and tactical The Canadian ENBP was used as a on the side of the target ship. “The expertise necessary to confront and follow-on force during the opposed activation and deployment of the team deter a variety of threats in high-risk boarding segment of the exercise that and its equipment to Africa, on operational environments, explains was conducted as part of the relatively short notice, was itself a LCdr Lund. “While the future global Standing NATO Maritime Group Two’s major milestone in refining their environment remains unpredictable, scheduled port visit to Casablanca, operating procedures.” the inclusion of the MTOG in the Morocco in May. Cdr Strickland stresses that RCN’s organization and its continued “This was a role well-suited to their opportunities like this exercise are evolution will ensure that whatever the mission and capabilities,” says invaluable in the maturation of the future holds, the MTOG will be ‘Ready Commander James Strickland, a ENBP. “It confirmed that the RCN’s for the storm’.” Photos: Cpl Anthony Chand Anthony Cpl Photos:

HMCS Fredericton’s enhanced naval boarding arrives in its rigid-hulled inflatable boat to climb aboard a suspect vessel during a multina- tional exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.

8 ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca Enhancing the navy’s protection against modern threats By Samantha Bayard Defence Research and Development Canada

t is getting increasingly complex to defeat a naval threat in today’s Idefence environment. However, Defence Research and Development Canada’s (DRDC) Radar Electronic Warfare team aims to provide the the threat is transmitting. Next it stores looking five to 10 years into the future. Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with the and retransmits a modified signal That’s where you want to be,” explains technology it needs to defend against which indicates a false target with LCdr Bromige. threats to its fleet. different coordinates and a different TAPA conducts trials every two “The objective of the project is the signature,” says Mr. Arpin. “This years as part of the Rim of the Pacific improved defence of naval ships technology is a smarter way of (RIMPAC) exercise and is one of its against modern anti-ship missiles,” defeating the threat.” highest priority experiments since explains Frederic Arpin, lead defence The DRFM jammer is fitted on an 2006. RIMPAC is the world’s largest scientist for the project at DRDC. unmanned vessel or drone, off-board international maritime exercise, “Improvements to current and future of a nearby ship that would be the comprised of nations with an interest threats mean the RCN has less time target of the threat. The jammer works in the Pacific Rim region. It is to defend itself. It has become on incoming frequencies and can conducted from the Hawaiian Islands increasingly difficult with opponents either make the threat attack the and southern California, and provides having improved electronic protection unmanned vessel, thus protecting the an important training opportunity and measures to move threat targeting off main target, or modify the signal to a means to strengthen military-to- the ship.” misdirect the threat away from both military partnerships. A project is moving forward within the unmanned vessel and the target “RIMPAC is good because the ships the RCN to attain two to four systems ship. Either outcome protects the are already there. We leverage all the for an operational evaluation. “The lives of sailors on board nearby international partners and assets. One project is going to allow us to ships. of the tests we did in 2014 needed purchase some commercial jammers “After a jammer was suggested, five ships; one Canadian ship, one because what we developed is Fred (Arpin) came up with the idea of Australian ship and three ships from experimental. It’s not rugged or putting the jammer on an autonomous the United States. We need a mix of combat ready in any sense,” says vessel. That way no people were different international assets to be Mr. Arpin. needed on the vessel to operate it,” able to run certain tests,” says Mr. DRDC prepared the specifications explains Lieutenant-Commander Arpin, who is also the national lead for for the project based on years of Timothy Bromige, former Staff Officer TAPA at DRDC. lessons. The jammer technology has Electronic Warfare at Canadian “RIMPAC gives an immediate evolved over 10 years of trials and Forces Maritime Warfare Centre. benefit to the participating navies,” data analysis. The first proof of The project is part of the TAPA, or explains LCdr Bromige. “There is concept was demonstrated with a the Technical Cooperation Program cross pollination between the navies basic noise jammer that tested its Anti-ship Threat Project Arrangement. that take part, leveraging others work. effect on threat simulators. TAPA is an international organization It is not just what you do. Over the “The noise jammer was basically that collaborates in defence scientific years working together and getting to passive; we knew the frequency of the and technical information exchange know what each party wants and threat simulator and we just output and shared research activities for five knows – the continuity – it’s like a noise,” explains Mr. Arpin. nations: Australia, Canada, New marriage.” The next step was to develop a Zealand, the United Kingdom and the The TAPA team will put the coherent digital radio frequency United States. experimental jammer to the test at this memory (DRFM) jammer to target “TAPA is very much cutting edge, year’s edition of RIMPAC. cutting-edge threats. “The DRFM jammer captures and digitizes the TAPA conducts trials every two years as part of RIMPAC. incoming radio frequency pulse which www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 9 First time at sea A new sailor shares her experiences

By Lieutenant (Navy) Linda Coleman Above: HMCS sails in heavy seas during hat is it like learning to be Op Caribbe. a sailor in the Royal Right: Lieutenant Canadian Navy (RCN) and (Navy) Linda W Coleman in going to sea for the first time after San Francisco years in a uniform? en route to Back in February, I was new to the Op Caribbe. navy and going through the Naval Environmental Training Program (NETP) to prepare for my first naval deployment as the Public Affairs Officer for ,

Canada’s participation in the DND Photos: multinational campaign against illicit trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and didn’t prepare me for day-to-day life at Upon joining Saskatoon, I realized eastern Pacific Ocean. sea. I contacted every sailor I knew that my first mistake was over packing I completed NETP on March 1 and asking for advice and tips on too many civilian clothes (my family left the next day for San Diego, Calif., everything from wardroom etiquette to and friends would not be surprised by to meet up with Her Majesty’s what kind of pajamas to bring. For this news). I luckily managed to fit Canadian Ships (HMCS) Saskatoon example, I was told to bring a everything into my tiny locker, which and Edmonton to start the operation. I bathrobe. If I didn’t ask, no one would was in a cabin I shared with three barely slept in the days leading up to have told me, and that would have other female crew members who my arrival, and the days following. made for an awkward deployment ended up being fantastic women to Despite completing NETP, I was without one. What were some of the serve with. excited, nervous and a little terrified best tips I received? Shower flip flops, The mistakes kept coming and for about experiencing the real deal. reading material, music, lap top with the first week I couldn’t even count the Even though NETP taught me how movies/TV shows, and a soft fleece amount of times I had the ship’s to fight fires and floods, it certainly blanket ranked pretty high for me. coxswain, Petty Officer 1st Class

10 ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca Kevin Parent, say “ma’am, you can’t stand there”, “ma’am, you have to wear your hat on the bridge”, “ma’am, don’t walk over the ropes”, and it went on and on. I took it as a compliment that he was just looking out for me (or so I like to think). It took a long time to get used to the noises on a ship. There were so many unfamiliar sounds, including pipes, alarms and engines. Pipes were originally used to give orders on warships when shouted orders could not be heard. The piping was done by the ship’s boatswain and therefore the instrument is known as the boatswain’s pipe or boatswain’s call. This is still prominent in the navy today, and pipes are heard all day long from “wakey wakey” to the end of the day. Then at night while trying to sleep, I would notice this constant buzzing Bunks aboard HMCS Saskatoon. sound. The best way I can describe it is imagining yourself stuck in a small over the side of the ship. I kept waiting movie Groundhog Day. It hit me early hotel room with a really loud air and waiting, and eventually it hit me on in the deployment that I was going conditioning unit that you can’t turn that I wasn’t going to be sick. to be waking up, eating and doing the off. Later on during the deployment Hallelujah! I don’t get sea sick. The same things at the exact same time this noise became soothing as it worst I experienced was minor every single day. There’s no weekend meant the ship was working as it was headaches. My mother has a to look forward to, no sleep-ins, and supposed to. reputation for never getting sea sick you exercise the same drills all the And, of course, there’s the motion. even in gale-force storms, so perhaps time. It’s also hard to keep track of Maritime coastal defence vessels I inherited that from her. what day it is. When at sea, everyday (MCDVs) aren’t the most stable can feel like a Monday. But I platforms and it doesn’t take much for How was the food? eventually learned to embrace them to bob around like a cork. I The RCN is known for having Groundhog Day and enjoyed the personally found sleeping a bit of a excellent cooks and Saskatoon had routine I set up for myself. I especially challenge during a bad sea state. some of our best. The quality and looked forward to my daily workout in Taking a shower is also interesting, variety was much better than I the gym, which is located behind the and I’ll admit that I hit my head a few expected. It was so good that the bridge on an MCDV. How often in life times. United States Coast Guard Law do you have the opportunity to work Since my return, I’ve had many Enforcement Detachment embarked out with an ocean view?! questions from family and friends with us recognized our cooks with a about what it’s like to serve on a special coin at the end of the How did you bond with your warship. I’ve decided to put to paper deployment, adding it was the best shipmates? my answers, in the hopes they might food they’ve had on Op Caribbe, and The MCDVs are small ships, with a help future sailors prepare for their this was their seventh deployment. crew of only 46. I ended up first sail. So what did we eat? Steak, lobster, appreciating this aspect of sailing in stuffed peppers, butter chicken, an MCDV, especially for my first sail. Did you get sea sick? salads, sandwiches, salmon, tacos, It’s much less intimidating than joining I was completely stressed out about pulled pork, stir fry, ribs, turkey, a frigate with a crew of more than getting sea sick, so I brought all kinds chicken…you get the idea. And, of 200. of patches and potions. Yes, I went a course, there’s the traditional soup The crews of MCDVs are mixed little overboard. When we hit rough every morning at 10 a.m., and duff Regular and Reserve Force and tend seas shortly after my arrival, I patiently (dessert) is served every night after to be closer knit, and there’s less of a waited to start feeling sick and kept a supper. Let’s just say that I was very divide between the officers and non- “barf bag” in my pocket just in case. thankful there was a gym on board! commissioned members. This was the Crew members aren’t allowed to throw case for HMCS Saskatoon and I feel up in the toilets on board as it will clog What is a day at sea like? lucky to have served with such a up the pipes, so it’s either in a bag, or In my opinion, sailing is like the fantastic and welcoming crew. www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 11 That being said, living and working on a warship for long periods of time is not a normal environment. If you’re having a bad day, there is literally no escape except for in your rack (bunk) with the curtain drawn, which kind of feels like an oversized coffin (and I mean this in a positive way). After sleeping on cots or on a pile of leaves in the woods while being bitten by mosquitoes all night when in the army, my sleeping accommodations on the ship felt quite luxurious. Of course there are days when not everyone gets along. I accidentally threw out someone’s tea after I was tasked to clean out the wardroom. There was no name on it and it had an expired date. Unfortunately, it did belong to someone and that person was visibly upset. News spread throughout the ship about the incident and it became Lieutenant (Navy) Linda Coleman aboard a rigid-hulled inflatable boat during Op Caribbe. known as “tea gate.” Would this have been a big deal if we weren’t stuck in I’ll never forget the day when the have good days and bad. Having the middle of the ocean with the same waves were extremely long and drawn support on the home front helped people 24/7 for an extended period of out, it looked as if the ocean was tremendously. My father, a retired time? Probably not. But that’s life at breathing. Other times the ocean was army colonel, was especially curious sea. as flat as a lake and you could see of my experiences. He originally sea turtles swimming by. For most wanted to join the navy, but learned What surprised me most? sailors, it’s just another day at the he was colour blind during the What surprised me the most was office. I, on the other hand, spend recruiting process and was declined. gaining a new appreciation for the most of my career working in an office What’s ironic is that later in life he ocean. It is truly beautiful out there, cubicle, so this aspect of sailing learned that he suffers from severe sometimes even majestic. Seeing fascinated me. The ocean, fresh air sea sickness. “I would never have marine life, watching sunsets and star and daily sunshine made me feel been able to do what you’re doing and gazing were my favourite parts of the healthy, happy and alive. It was a I’m so proud of you,” he told me while entire experience. I made an effort to struggle to return to cubicle life after I was deployed, which still makes me ensure I was outside at some point the deployment. teary-eyed. every day to take it all in. Overall, like on any deployment, you My common-law partner, who is also in the navy, would sometimes console me on days when I was feeling down by saying “even though time is dragging on now, you will be able to look back on your contributions and successes with pride and very fond memories,” and he was so right. Thinking back, my first naval deployment ended up being an incredible experience with memories that will last a lifetime. I sailed with Saskatoon for 51 days in the Eastern Pacific along the coast of Central America. It was a successful deployment where our ship, along with HMCS Edmonton, assisted in the seizure or disruption of more than 3,900 kg of cocaine. I feel

Photos: DND Photos: like I can now wear the navy uniform HMCS Saskatoon at sea during Op Caribbe. with pride.

12 ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca Teamwork key to success in countering illicit trafficking Canadian sailors work with U.S. Coast Guard during Op Caribbe

By Lieutenant (Navy) Blake Patterson

hen a police officer pulls someone over and walks Wup to the driver-side window, it’s always with caution, always with uncertainty. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Summerside and a Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) take similar precautions as they combine efforts to approach suspect vessels during Operation Caribbe, Canada’s contribution to the multinational DND Photos: campaign against transnational A member of the United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, left, works with a Canadian sailor aboard HMCS Summerside during Op Caribbe. criminal organizations in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. boarding and searching vessels for LEDET actively watch the vessel, During its two-month deployment narcotics and other contraband. (Due eyes roving the decks taking in all in the Caribbean this spring, to operational security, members of aspects of the situation – objects or Summerside patrolled approximately the LEDET team cannot be identified lines in the water that might foul the 10,000 nautical miles, helping to by name.) RHIB’s propellers; hazards on the locate, track, approach and visit When a suspect vessel is identified, deck that could prevent boarding; the vessels suspected of criminal activity, Summerside approaches and movement and numbers of crew on including illicit drug trafficking. launches a rigid-hulled inflatable boat board; and any sign of weapons. “It’s very much a risk-reward (RHIB) to carry members of the At those times, the partnership situation every time we approach a LEDET within hailing distance so they between RHIB coxswain and LEDET vessel,” said the officer in charge of can question the master. The RHIB is is crucial to success. The LEDET the eight-member LEDET embarked navigated by one of Summerside’s must have confidence that the in Summerside to conduct law boat coxswains. coxswain is skilled at handling the enforcement operations such as As they approach, members of the RHIB. Likewise, the coxswain must know the LEDET can cover him while he watches waves and adjusts throttle to keep the RHIB safe. “We’ll go up off the vessel’s beam so the LEDET can assess what’s going on,” described RHIB coxswain Master Seaman Cory Bilodeau. “I’m focussed on what’s going on with the RHIB itself – reading the seas, trying not to pound the waves too much.” It’s a team effort. “There is a big trust factor between the ship’s command team and the leadership of the LEDET team,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Scot Whyte, Summerside’s Executive Officer. “Over the last 10 years that we’ve been doing these operations, that relationship has been very strong and The United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment from HMCS Summerside there is a mutual trust and respect patrols off the coast of Nicaragua during Op Caribbe. between the two organizations.” www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY 13 HMCS Summerside assists with the seizure of more than 300 kg of cocaine on March 7, 2016, while patrolling off the coast of Nicaragua during Op Caribbe.

In preparation for the operation, a substantial investment.” Martillo, a joint multinational effort led Summerside’s RHIB coxswains and Sometimes the crews of the suspect by the United States to eliminate illicit the LEDET conducted several training vessels try to scuttle their vessels to maritime and air trafficking in the sessions. destroy evidence or they jettison eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean “The integration was seamless,” cargo, throwing bales of narcotics Sea. said Lt(N) Daniel Chamberlain, overboard to lighten the boat and Op Caribbe helps strengthen Summerside’s deck officer, who attempt to flee. That’s where the risk- international partnerships with nations thought it might take time for the two reward consideration comes into play. across the hemisphere, and also teams to mesh and understand each “We have to weigh the risk versus demonstrates Canada’s commitment other. After just a few practices the reward,” the LEDET officer said. to support efforts to address security LEDET had confidence their Canadian “What’s more important – to get the challenges in the region. Throughout RHIB coxswains could skillfully contraband or the people smuggling the year, the Royal Canadian Navy manoeuvre alongside, approach and it? If we can, we try to get both.” will deploy warships and the Royal “stick” for LEDET insertion onto the This year marks the 10th year Canadian Air Force will deploy suspect vessel as required. Canada has contributed to Op CP-140 Aurora aircraft from the East “It really was fine tuning,” said Lt(N) Caribbe in support of U.S. Operation and West Coasts. Chamberlain. “The fundamentals were A sailor conducts there. Our RHIB coxswains are weapons train- second to none.” ing aboard HMCS Like the police officer walking up to Summerside dur- the car, the RHIB coxswain and ing Op Caribbe. LEDET have to be ready to respond, explained the LEDET officer. They don’t know if the master of the vessel is telling the truth. They don’t know if there are drugs or fugitives on board. It’s a potentially volatile situation. “Generally where you find illicit narcotics, there are weapons,” he said. “The people who are trans- porting these narcotics are not keen to

give them up because they represent DND Photos:

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