HMCS St. Johns operates in the Black Sea during Op REASSURANCE

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s will work and train in the Black Sea with vessels from several allied and partner nations from January 31 to February 20, 2017, as part of Operation REASSURANCE. 

While operating in the Black Sea, HMCS St. John’s will participate in Exercise SEA SHIELD and conduct maritime situational awareness operations to enhance maritime security in the region. As part of its operations in the Black Sea, HMCS St. John’s will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defence relations with strategic Allies.

Quote

“During Exercise SEA SHIELD, HMCS St. John’s will engage in joint sea drills implementing NATO standard operating procedures to combat threats of any kind on the sea, underwater, and from the air. This type of training improves our interoperability with NATO allies and other partners, and better prepares us to meet our collective defence and deterrence obligations.”

Commander Sheldon Gillis, Commanding Officer HMCS St. John’s

Quick Facts

From February 7 to 10, 2017, HMCS St. John’s will participate in the Romanian-led Exercise SEA SHIELD 2017 with NATO Allies and partner states. The exercise is aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the Black Sea.

During Operation REASSURANCE, HMCS St. John’s and other allied warships participate in many types of joint NATO training exercises including those involving simulated anti-air and anti-submarine warfare scenarios, as well as a simulated small-boat attack and basic ship-handling manoeuvers. These joint NATO training exercises provide excellent opportunities to enhance the NATO’s maritime interoperability, ensuring a capable and credible force for the defense of Allied nations.

Operation REASSURANCE refers to Canadian Armed Forces support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe.

Chief of the Defence Staff announces Canadian Armed Forces General and Flag Officer senior appointments, promotions, and retirements

 General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, is pleased to announce the initial list of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) General and Flag Officer senior appointments, promotions, and retirements that will occur in 2017.

This announcement results in the largest number of women (nine) in the senior ranks of the CAF in history. These officers lead the CAF in defending our country’s values and interests, here at home and abroad. 

Promotions and appointments resulting from retirements are as follows:

Major-General K.D. McQuillan retired from service, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Brigadier-General J.S. Sirois was promoted to the rank of Major-General and was appointed Chief of Staff – Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa, replacing Major-General K.D. McQuillan.

Colonel M.C.D. Savard was promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and was appointed Director General Military Personnel Management Capability Transformation Project, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General J.S. Sirois.

Major-General J.G.E. Tremblay retired from service, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Commodore L. Cassivi will be promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral and will be appointed Commander Military Personnel Generation/Canadian Defence Academy, in Kingston, Ont., replacing Major-General J.G.E. Tremblay.

Captain (Navy) S.M. Waddell will be promoted to the rank of Commodore and will be appointed Director General Naval Strategic Readiness, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Commodore L. Cassivi.

Major-General A.C. Patch will retire from service, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Brigadier-General P. Ormsby will be promoted to the rank of Major-General and will be appointed Deputy Chief of Staff – Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel), at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Major-General A.C. Patch.

Colonel S.Y. Menard will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and will be appointed Deputy Commander Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR), in Tyndall, Florida, replacing Brigadier-General P. Ormsby.

Brigadier-General G.D. Corbould will retire from service, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Brigadier-General S.A. Brennan will be appointed Commanding Officer Joint Personnel Support Unit (JPSU), at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General G.D. Corbould.

Colonel D.A. MacIsaac was promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and was appointed Joint Task Force Commander for Operation IMPACT, Rotation 4, replacing Brigadier-General S.A. Brennan.

Brigadier-General H.C. MacKay will retire from service, resulting in the following promotion and appointment:

Colonel A.M.T. Downes will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed Commander Canadian Forces Health Services Group/Surgeon General for the Canadian Armed Forces, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General H.C. MacKay.

Brigadier-General N.E. Russell will retire from service, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Brigadier-General (acting while so employed) M.M.L. Rafter was promoted substantive to the rank of Brigadier-General and will be appointed Strategic J4 for the Canadian Armed Forces, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General N.E. Russell.

Brigadier-General S.G. Friday will be appointed Chief of Staff for the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General M.M.L. Rafter.

Colonel S. Bouchard will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointedCommandant of the Royal Military College of Canada, in Kingston, Ont., replacing Brigadier-General S.G. Friday.

Brigadier-General P. Rutherford will retire from service, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Brigadier-General F.J. Allen will be appointed Director General Information Management Operations, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General P. Rutherford.

Captain (Navy) R.A. Feltham will be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Commodore and appointed Director General Cyberspace, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General F.J. Allen.

The following promotions and appointments result from new and continuing service requirements:

Lieutenant-General C.T. Whitecross was appointed to a new position as Commander of NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Major-General C.A. Lamarre will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General and appointed Chief of Military Personnel/Commander Military Personnel Command, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Lieutenant-General C.T. Whitecross.

Major-General A.D. Meinzinger will be appointed Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Major-General C.A. Lamarre.

Major-General (acting while so employed) T.L. Harris will be promoted substantive to the rank of Major-General and appointed Deputy Commander Royal Canadian Air Force, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Major-General A.D. Meinzinger.

Brigadier-General D.W. Lowthian will be appointed Chief of Staff for the Chief of Defence Staff, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Major-General (acting while so employed) T.L. Harris.

Colonel S.T. Boyle will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed Deputy Commander 1 Canadian Air Division, in Winnipeg, replacing Brigadier-General D.W. Lowthian.

Major-General J.M. Lanthier will be appointed Chief of Programme Division at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Major-General J.C. Madower, and resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Brigadier-General S.C. Hetherington will be promoted to the rank of Major-General and will be appointed as Commander Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, in Kingston, Ont., replacing Major-General J.M. Lanthier.

Brigadier-General T.J. Cadieu will be appointed commander of 3 Canadian Division/Joint Task Force (West), in Edmonton, replacing Brigadier-General S.C. Hetherington.

Colonel C.J.J. Mialkowski will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and will be appointed to Operation PROTEUS, replacing Brigadier-General T.J. Cadieu.

Rear-Admiral J.F. Newton will be appointed to a new position as Veterans Affairs Canada Liaison Officer, in Charlottetown, resulting in the following promotions and appointments:

Commodore C.A. Baines will be promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral and will be appointed as Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic/Joint Task Force (Atlantic), in Halifax, replacing Rear-Admiral J.F. Newton.

Captain (Navy) C.T. Skjerpen will be promoted to the rank of Commodore and will be appointed as Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic, in Halifax, replacing Commodore C.A. Baines.

Brigadier-General J.P.A. Pelletier will be promoted to the rank of Major-General and will be appointed to a new position as RCAF Fighter Program Lead, at NDHQ in Ottawa.

Brigadier-General N. Eldaoud will be promoted to the rank of Major-General and will be appointed to a new position as Chief of Military Personnel Programs, at NDHQ in Ottawa, resulting in the following appointment:

Commodore H.C. Edmundson will be appointed Chief of Staff – Military Personnel Command, at NDHQ in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General N. Eldaoud.

Brigadier-General J.B. Ploughman will be appointed Assistant Chief of Staff J5 Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), in Casteau, Belgium.

Brigadier-General D.J. Anderson will be appointed Chief of Staff Readiness – Canadian Joint Operations Command, in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General J.B. Ploughman.

Brigadier-General S.J.R. Whelan will be appointed Ministerial Liaison Team Director – Operation IMPACT, replacing Brigadier-General D.J. Anderson.

Colonel V.C. Tattersall will be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed Deputy Commander Military Personnel Generation/Canadian Defence Academy, in Kingston, Ont., replacing Brigadier-General S.J.R. Whelan.

Brigadier-General J.J.M.J. Paul will be appointed to a new position as Chief of Staff – Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, at NDHQ in Ottawa.

Brigadier-General J.S.S.D. Fortin will be appointed Senior Military Advisor, at the Privy Council Office, in Ottawa, replacing Brigadier-General J.J.M.J. Paul.

Colonel M.H. St-Louis was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General and will be appointed Deputy Commanding General (US) I Corps, in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, U.S., replacing Brigadier-General J.S.S.D. Fortin.

Brigadier-General (acting while so employed) G.R. Smith was promoted substantive to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed Canadian National Military Representative to SHAPE and Formation Commander Europe, in Casteau, Belgium.

Brigadier-General (acting while so employed) E.J. Kenny was promoted substantive to the rank of Brigadier-General and will continue to serve in his current appointment, Deputy Commander Force Generation, in Winnipeg.

Brigadier-General (acting while so employed) M. Leblanc was promoted substantive to the rank of Brigadier-General and will continue to serve in his current appointment, Deputy J3 U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Brigadier-General (acting while so employed) S.N. Clancy was promoted substantive to the rank of Brigadier-General and will continue to serve in his current appointment, Director General Air Readiness, at NDHQ in Ottawa.

Colonel J.P.R. Prevost will be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed to a new position, Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, Canadian Joint Operations Command, in Ottawa.

Colonel S.M. Lacroix will be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed Director General Inter-American Defense Board, in Washington, D.C.

Colonel S.R. Kelsey was promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and appointed Chief of Staff for the Coalition Force Land Component Command (CFLCC-I), replacing Brigadier-General G.R. Smith.

Colonel D.C. Aitchison will be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General and will be appointed Chief of Staff for the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC-I), replacing Brigadier-General (while so employed) S.R. Kelsey.

After distinguished service to Canada and the CAF, the following General and Flag Officers have retired or will retire in 2017:

Major-General K.D. McQuillan

Major-General A.C. Patch

Major-General D.W. Thompson

Major-General J.G.E. Tremblay

Brigadier-General G.D. Corbould

Brigadier-General H.C. Mackay

Brigadier-General N.E. Russell

Brigadier-General P. Rutherford

Biographies of senior officers may be made available upon request by contacting Media Relations.

Quotes

“My congratulations go out to the newest General and Flag Officers of the Canadian Armed Forces, and also to those promoted within those ranks. I expect much of you, the most senior members of the profession of arms in Canada. `People first–mission always` must be your ongoing focus. To those retiring, I thank you for your superb service to our country, and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

Quick Facts

This announcement results in the largest number of women in the senior ranks of the CAF in history. They are as follows: Lieutenant-General Chris Whitecross, Major-General Tammy Harris, Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, Brigadier-General Frances Allen, Brigadier-General Lise Bourgon, Brigadier-General Jennie Carignan, Brigadier-General Danielle Savard, Commodore Marta Mulkins, and Colonel Virginia Tattersall (who will be promoted acting while so employed to the rank of Brigadier-General).

Major-General Harris is the first woman to be deputy commander (second in command) of the RoyalCanadian Air Force. This follows on another “first,” the promotion in June 2016 of Brigadier-General Carignan as the first female general in the CAF combat arms.

New CAF Policy Removes Promotion Barriers for Ill and Injured Members

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who have medical conditions and are up for potential promotion, no longer have to feel that they need to choose between the two. Ill and injured members can now be promoted while undergoing medical care. 

In the past, ill and injured members may not have sought the care they needed, to avoid an impact on their career. With this positive shift, if a CAF member has a condition that is preventing them from achieving fitness or training promotion prerequisites, they can be promoted in an acting capacity with no time pressure for meeting these conditions. Once their medical treatment has been completed, a member can be fully promoted to their new position.

In recognition of the talents and dedication of ill and injured CAF members, as well as their expected future contributions, a CAF member’s posting and appointment to the next rank will take into account his or her employment and deployment limitations. The CAF encourages those in need of medical care to take advantage of resources available, without stigma or worry of possible impacts on career advancement.

The removal of medical health from promotion criteria, demonstrates one of the ways the CAF is working to improve how administration and support is provided to our members and their families.

Quotes 

“When you’ve earned your promotion, it shouldn’t be denied to you just because you’re treating a medical condition. For too long, people have avoided seeking help for fear of professional implications. We need people who can reach their full potential now and in the future. Get the help you need: your promotion will not suffer.”

General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

“This is a significant change for the CAF. Our hope is that it will encourage members to get the support they need right away, allowing them to focus on both their health and career.”

Colonel Rakesh Jetly, Mental Health Advisor, Canadian Forces Health Services.

NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) Program Contract Modification

The Government of Canada is committed to providing our women and men in uniform with the equipment and training they need to do their job, at the best value for Canadians. We are announcing today the extension of the contract with CAE for the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program for an additional two years. Previously contracted for 21 years and scheduled to expire in 2021, the NFTC program will now run until at least 2023. The modification also includes a one-year option to extend the contract through to 2024.

This modification will allow the Government the time necessary to determine its future aircrew training requirements. The increase in contract value associated with this amendment is valued at more than $300 million.

Under the current NFTC program, CAE provides flight training services including serviced aircraft, simulator instruction, flight simulators, classroom instruction, training courseware and other support services in support of flying training at 15 Wing flight training units in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Cold Lake, Alberta.

This project will provide avenues of economic development for the local community by creating and sustaining middle class jobs. 

Quotes 

“The ability to provide operational training units with sufficient numbers of suitably trained aircrew is fundamental to the Royal Canadian Air Force and to its ability to provide Canada with a capability that is vital to the defence of our country.”    

Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“Canadians know that their defence personnel are strong, professional and assiduous in doing the difficult jobs we ask of them all of the time. This announcement is an important step to ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force has the support it requires to protect Canada and its sovereignty, while also growing the local economy.”

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“The NATO Flying Training in Canada programdelivers world-class pilot training to Canada and participating allied nations. In modifying the operating period of this NTFC contract, we will ensure that this essential pilot training system continues until a new program is up and running.”

Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown returns from Op REASSURANCE

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to her home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia today after a successful six-month deployment on Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures aimed at promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. 

HMCS Charlottetown acted as command ship for Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) Task Unit 2. It provided leadership and coordination to a detachment of NATO ships while on operations in the Black and North seas while participating in a series of multinational training events in the North Atlantic.

Operation REASSURANCE demonstrates Canada’s commitment to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe.

Quotes

“I would like to welcome home the crew of HMCS Charlottetown following their success on Operation REASSURANCE. The ship and crew seamlessly conducted operations with our NATO partners and allies promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. The RCN is proud to be able to act globally on behalf of Canadians and the Government of Canada.”

Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy

“We can all be proud of our fellow Canadians serving aboard HMCS Charlottetown and the role they played while deployed on the NATO Reassurance mission. Charlottetown patrolled with our alliance partners from northern flank waters of the Norwegian Coast to the southeastern flank off Turkey. Their professionalism and competence was evident in every patrol, exercise, port visit, and diplomatic engagement they conducted. I congratulate the ship’s company for their unity as a team and excellence in operations. I recognize, however, that success comes from sacrifice. We owe much to the support and understanding of families who will miss their loved ones over the Christmas period.”

Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic

Quick Facts

•   On June 27, 2016, HMCS Charlottetown departed Halifax for the Operation REASSURANCE Joint Operations Area (JOA) in the Mediterranean Sea. HMCS Charlottetown arrived in the Mediterranean and replaced HMCS Fredericton on June 29, 2016 in order to support NATO-led maritime assurance and deterrence activities in the region as part of SNMG 2. 

•   SNMG 2 is a multinational, integrated maritime task group made up of vessels from various Allied countries. These vessels are available to NATO on a persistent rotational basis for exercises and other operational tasks in the NATO Maritime Command’s areas of responsibility

•   HMCS Charlottetown was the fifth Royal Canadian Navy ship and third modernized Halifax-class frigate to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe since April 2014. These deployments underscore Canada’s commitment to our Allies and to the principle of Alliance solidarity in the face of an evolving security environment in Europe.  While deployed, the ship executed a range of missions across the spectrum of operations including surveillance and monitoring, and regional defence.  Canada’s engagement in this NATO mission also provides the Canadian Armed Forces with valuable opportunities to undertaking multilateral military capability building through training and exercises which further increase our interoperability as Allies

•   HMCS Charlottetown patrolled with our Alliance partners from the Norwegian Coast to the Black Sea. The ship and crew supported both Government of Canada and NATO activities conducting defence diplomacy visits to a number of ports of call including Egypt, Barcelona, Spain, and Chania, Greece.

•   HMCS Charlottetown is a modernized Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 250 personnel, including a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment and an enhanced naval boarding party.

 HMCS Charlottetown completed the Halifax-class Modernization/Frigate Life Extension program in June 2014 and is equipped with a new combat management system, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system upgrade, and upgraded communications and missiles, as well as a new integrated platform management system.

HMCS St. John’s joins Standing NATO Maritime Group 2

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s officially joined Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) on its way to the Mediterranean Sea today as part of Canada’s support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.

The deployment of HMCS St. John’s demonstrates Canada’s continued leadership on the world stage by making meaningful and enduring contributions to NATO by performing different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to intervening in operational missions, throughout the region.

HMCS St. John’s is replacing HMCS Charlottetown, which arrives in its home port of Halifax on January 13 after a successful six-month Operation REASSURANCE deployment. 

Quote

"I am confident that HMCS St. John’s will continue to build upon HMCS Charlottetown’s accomplishments by providing a highly versatile and robust ship capable of full spectrum operations. Ourhighly skilled and professional ship’s company are readyand eager to work with our NATO allies to strengthen international and regional stability.” 

Commander Sheldon Gillis, Commander HMCS St. John’s

Quick Facts

•   HMCS St. John’s is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 240 personnel of all ranks, including an Enhanced Naval Boarding Party and a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment.

•   HMCS St. John’s upcoming deployment is a continuation of a range of military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures and demonstrates Canada’s commitment to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. 

•   HMCS Charlottetown, a Halifax-class frigate, conducted maritime security operations and joint NATO training exercises in the North Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, Aegean, Black and Baltic Seas as part of NATOsince June 2016.      

•   During its six-month deployment, HMCS Charlottetown travelled 35 907 nm, developed its interoperability with 14 NATO navies and visited 17 ports in 10 countries. 

•   Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 is a multinational, integrated maritime task group made up of vessels from various Allied countries. These vessels, including their air assets, are available to NATO for exercises and other operational tasks in the NATO Maritime Command’s areas of responsibility.

Operation REASSURANCE refers to the Canadian Armed Forces’ activities in support of NATO assurance and deterrence measures. Through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks, Canada demonstrates its commitment to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

Government of Canada invests in new armoury for Halifax Army Reserve

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel have modern and functional facilities in which to work and train. To meet the current operational requirements of the Halifax Army Reserve, the construction of a new armoury at Willow Park was announced today by Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan. The new Willow Park Armoury represents an investment of $66 million, and construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2018. 

The new armoury will support the important work being done by 36 Service Battalion, 36 Signal Regiment, and 33 Field Ambulance by bringing them together into one facility. The armoury’s design will improve the units’ ability to train, work, and deploy on exercises and operations by providing well-configured administration and training facilities, an outdoor compound for their respective military vehicle fleets, and facilities for storing and maintaining other equipment.

MP Fillmore also announced three other infrastructure investments of $21 million in the Halifax area today: the next phase of the rehabilitation of the North Park Armoury in Halifax, upgrades to various naval jetties at the Halifax Dockyard, as well as pavement work at the Department of National Defence’s Shearwater airfield.

 Quotes 

“As a former reservist myself, I know that a well-trained and well-supported Reserve Force is key to our ability to meet current and future security and defence needs at home and abroad. The new Willow Park Armoury will ensure local Army Reserve units have the facilities they need to work and train, now and well into the future.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“In addition to supporting the military women and men working in our community who make us so proud, this investment will bring meaningful jobs to the local economy, and sustain economic growth in our province for years to come.”

Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax 

Quick Facts

36 Service Battalion provides logistics support, including Combat Service Support, to sustain the 36 Canadian Brigade Group and the CAF’s domestic and international operations. 

36 Signal Regiment trains combat capable signalers who enable command and control of CAF units deployed in domestic and expeditionary operations. The Regiment also supports other 36 Canadian Brigade Group units during training exercises.

33 Field Ambulance trains personnel to provide healthcare services support to the 36 Canadian Brigade Group and the CAF, domestically and internationally.

Following the construction of the new armoury, three existing buildings at Willow Park that currently house 36 Service Battalion will be demolished as part of this project. This will complement DND’s extensive redevelopment of the Willow Park site in recent years.

Other investments in the area include: 

Rehabilitation of the North Park Armoury will begin in the coming months, and will ensure this National Historic Site and classified Heritage Building continues to support the Army Reserve in Halifax. It will house The Princess Louise Fusiliers and The Halifax Rifles (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps), as well as two army cadet corps. The upcoming phase of the project will involve reconstruction of the west wall. 

Repairs and upgrades to various jetties at the Halifax Dockyard will include replacement of lighting infrastructure and electrical transformers, as well as repairs to jetty structural elements.

Work at the Shearwater airfield will include pavement upgrades, repair and replacement of existing lighting on the ramps and approaches to the airfield, as well as restoration of security and task lighting. 

These three projects represent an investment of over $21 million, and are part of the $200 million announced in Budget 2016 for investments in infrastructure at CAF bases and other defence properties across Canada.

Minister of National Defence Reacts to attack in Jerusalem

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National of Defence, today made the following statement:

“As a partner, friend and ally of Israel, Canada fully supports the right of Israelis to live in peace and security, free from the threat of terrorism and incitement to violence.

“Canada condemns this terrorist attack that targeted Israel’s defence forces and expresses our deepest condolences to the victims and their families.”

New stories of football in World War One brought to light ahead of Christmas Truce anniversary

French children watch a British cavalry regiment play a match against Indian soldiers of the 18th Lancers

New stories of football played during World War One are being shared ahead of the 102nd anniversary of 1914’s iconic Christmas Truce match.

Letters and photographs from the period have been brought to light by Dr Islam Issa, Lecturer in English Literature at Birmingham City University, which show the role football played for soldiers during the Great War. 

The famed Christmas Truce match is believed to have been played in No Man’s Land on Christmas Day 1914 and the discovered items show that football was a regular part of the troops’ everyday lives. 

The pieces include a previously unpublished Christmas letter from a soldier based in France explaining how regularly he trains for the football team, and a photograph showing French children watch a British cavalry regiment play a match against Indian soldiers of the 18th Lancers. 

Dr Issa has been researching the Muslim contribution to the First World War by going through thousands of archives, personal letters and documents as part of an exhibition commissioned by and held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre. 

The materials have shown how frequently football was played and that the Allies’ football teams included soldiers from Commonwealth countries such as the Muslim, Indian and Pakistani servicemen featured in the exhibition.

Dr Islam Issa said: “It was nice to make some little but telling findings about the role of sport for the soldiers, particularly in the middle of all the other difficulties they were facing.”

Although some historians have questioned the accuracy of the Christmas Truce match, the research demonstrates just how prominent and widespread football was throughout World War One.

Dr Issa said: “The Christmas Truce match is a popular story because it reminds us that regular people were involved in the war and how political choices don't always represent common people.

“What is for sure is that football was widespread during the World War One and was played by soldiers all around the world. They weren't always working or fighting – a lot of their time was spent behind the lines, so football was a key pastime.

“Officers encouraged the soldiers to play football in order to increase morale and perhaps to keep their fitness levels up too. In fact, in England, the Football Association and some football clubs would put posters up to help with the initial recruitment effort". 

The pieces include a previously unreported letter from Christmas 1915 (dated December 27) from soldier Nisar Muhammed Khan to his brother in Peshawar, located at the time in British India and now part of present-day Pakistan.

In the letter he apologises for his lack of contact and explaining that he has little free time due to training every morning for the football team.

He says: “I have received many letters from you, but have been unable to answer them for lack of time, because, my dear brother … I have been put into the football team. 

“Every day, we have to go to the office at 10 or 12 a.m. (sic) for football, and the office is about two miles away. So I get no time at all.”

Dr Issa said: “I spent days in archives reading letters so when I found one by an Indian soldier who was in an army football team, it did make me smile.

“I had three thoughts about it. The first is that he's complaining about being in the team because of the commitment, since training every morning means he can't write home as often. That touched me as really human because it's not exactly what you expect soldiers at war to be complaining about.

“It also sounds like this particular soldier was scouted, because he doesn't say that he chose to join. To me, the fact he may have been spotted while playing confirms that having a kick-about was more common than we think.

“On top of that, this is the only such reference I came across while researching Muslim soldiers in the war, suggesting that the football teams would have been predominantly English or French, so it's heartening to know that soldiers from different backgrounds were playing on the same team”.

The Stories of Sacrifice exhibition is open for the public at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester.

ENDS

Issued by Birmingham City University, Press Office

Tel: +44 (0)121 331 6738

Email: press@bcu.ac.uk

About Birmingham City University 

·       With over 24,000 students from 80 countries, Birmingham City University is a large, diverse and increasingly popular place to study. The University puts students at the heart of everything it does, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

HMCS St. John’s next Canadian ship to deploy on Operation REASSURANCE in support of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s has been selected as the next Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ship to deploy on Operation REASSURANCE in early 2017, to support Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) in the Mediterranean contributing to regional security and stability. 

The deployment of HMCS St. John’s demonstrates Canada’s commitment and continued support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. HMCS St. John’s will depart Halifax in mid-January, replacing HMCS Charlottetown which has been serving with SNMG 2 since July 2016.

Quotes 

“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by of the Captain and crew of HMCS St. John’s in preparation for their upcoming mission. They will be excellent ambassadors as they work alongside NATO allies during Operation REASSURANCE. They will play a key role in strengthening international and regional stability and as part of a modern, globally deployable fleet, St. John’s presence ensures the Navy continues to influence global events while representing and defending Canadian interests abroad.

Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic 

“As Captain of HMCS St. John’s I am incredibly proud of the team that has pulled together to make this hull come to life. Everyday their work ethic, positive attitude and talent impress and I have no doubt that we will excel at any mission assigned to us by the Government of Canada. Over the last number of months we have honed our skills and with the fantastic support of the civilian and military staffs that make up Maritime Forces Atlantic I know that St. John’s is in all respects ready for the challenges of Operation REASSURANCE.”

Commander Sheldon Gillis, Commanding Officer, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship St. John’s 

Quick Facts 

•   HMCS St. John’s conducted high readiness training as part of SPARTAN WARRIOR 16. The ship then conducted a successful Evolved Sea Sparrow missile shoot in late November as part of high readiness preparations for Operation REASSURANCE. 

•   HMCS St. John’s upcoming deployment is a continuation of a range of military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks and demonstrates Canada’s commitment to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

•   HMCS St. John’s is the sixth Royal Canadian Navy ship and the fourth modernized Halifax-class frigate to deploy in support of NATO assurance measures in Europe since April 2014. The ship will provide Canada the flexibility to execute a range of missions across a broad spectrum of operations in support of allied efforts in the region, including surveillance and monitoring, regional defence, diplomatic engagement and capacity building.

•   Standing NATO Maritime Groups are multinational, integrated maritime task groups made up of vessels from various Allied countries. These vessels are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from exercises to operational missions. They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support partner engagement, and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions. 

•   HMCS St. John’s completed the Halifax-class Modernization/ Frigate Life Extension (HCM/FELEX) program in October 2015 and is ready to deploy in support of Government of Canada objectives. The program provided the ship with a new Combat Management System, new radar capability, a new electronic warfare system upgrade, upgraded communications and missiles, as well as a new Integrated Platform Management System. https://vimeo.com/101718264

•   HMCS St. John’s is a Halifax-class frigate with a crew of approximately 240 personnel of all ranks, including an Enhanced Naval Boarding Party and a CH-124 Sea King helicopter air detachment.

•   The ship’s Enhanced Naval Boarding Party is a specialized team that is capable of executing a full range of maritime interdiction operations. https://vimeo.com/159550331

•   HMCS St. John’s last international deployment was in March 2012 when the ship deployed on Operation CARIBBE, Canada’s contribution to Operation MARTILLO, a multinational campaign to counter transnational criminal organizations in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  

Defence Minister Sajjan Attends Counter-ISIL Military Coalition Meeting

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan was in London, UK, today for a meeting of Defence Ministers from the main force contributors to the Counter-ISIL Military Coalition. The meeting followed up on the discussions held in Paris in October and set the stage for the third large Coalition Ministerial meeting to be held in Spring 2017.

Defence Ministers reviewed progress in the Global Coalition’s efforts to degrade and dismantle Daesh, also known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and focused on the ongoing military campaign in Mosul. During the meeting, Minister Sajjan highlighted Canada’s whole-of-government efforts which are focused on building the conditions on the ground for longer-term stability and prosperity in the region.

Quote

“The Canadian Armed Forces are playing an important role, along with our Allies and partners, in supporting Coalition efforts in Iraq and the region. Canada is determined to do its part and we are proud of the progress that has been achieved so far. By working together, we hope to bring stability to the region so that everyone may live in a safer and more secure world.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

Quick Facts

In February 2016, Canada committed to augment the size of the train, advise, and assist mission—under Operation IMPACT—to help Iraqi security forces plan and conduct military operations against Daesh.

 In October 2016, the Iraqi security forces, with support from the Global Coalition to Counter Daesh, began the operation to take control of Mosul.  Mosul is Daesh’s self-proclaimed “capital” in Iraq, and is one of the country’s largest cities. Its liberation will be a critical milestone in the fight against Daesh.

The Canadian Armed Forces mandate is to train, advise, and assist the Iraqi security forces. This will enable them to take the fight to Daesh, defend their country and contribute to national and regional security.

2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group launches inaugural Exercise AQIKGIK

The 2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (2 CRPG) is officially launching Exercise AQIKGIK today with a ceremony at the Royal Military College in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This exercise, consisting of a snowmobile expedition to Indigenous communities in Northern Quebec and on the Lower North Shore, is in honour of the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Rangers and will take place from January 27 to March 17, 2017.

Six teams of six Canadian Rangers each will visit the 35 communities where the 2 CRPG patrols are located.

During the course of Exercise AQIKGIK, participants will travel 3,690 kilometres on snowmobile. More than 120 members of the Rangers (100 Canadian Rangers and 20 executives and instructors) will participate and will engage with the Ranger and Junior Canadian Ranger Patrols in the respective communities.

This northern expedition will demonstrate the operational capability of the Canadian Rangers, the vitality of the Junior Canadian Rangers, and the importance of the intergenerational cohesion existing between the two groups.

Quotes

“Exercise AQIKGIK is an opportunity to showcase the Canadian Rangers’ determination, drive, and professionalism. The Rangers are an integral part of the 2nd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force East team. I would like to thank all the Canadian Rangers and Junior Canadian Rangers who have served in the last 70 years and congratulate them for their invaluable contribution to our national security and to their individual communities." 

Brigadier-General Hercule Gosselin, Commander of the 2nd Canadian Division and Joint Task Force (East) 

“Exercise AQIKGIK 2017 will be the 2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group’s first time conducting a training exercise across its entire area of operations. This historic exercise will highlight the co‑operation between the Canadian Army and the communities of Northern Quebec and the Lower North Shore. Exercise AQIKGIK 2017 is without a doubt an extraordinary accomplishment, showcasing the Canadian Rangers’ operational capability, professionalism, and pride.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Bruno Plourde, Commander of the 2nd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group 

Quick Facts

The expedition will begin on January 27, 2017, in Waskaganish, on James Bay. Video clips will be posted on the official Facebook pages of the 2nd Canadian Division and the 2 CRPG to capture the northern expedition’s progress.

In 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Rangers.  Exercise AQIKGIK is an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to national-security and public-safety missions in sparsely populated northern and isolated areas of Canada.

The Canadian Rangers are the military’s eyes and ears in northern, coastal, and isolated areas of Canada. They provide the Canadian Armed Forces with lightly-equipped, self-sufficient mobile forces to support domestic operations and to protect the sovereignty of Canada. 

Exercise AQIKGIK will demonstrate Canadian Ranger capabilities and their crucial role as part of the Canadian Armed Forces, while serving their communities in a variety of roles including support to civilian authorities.

The Canadian Rangers train, mentor, coach, and supervise the Junior Canadian Rangers. They help to improve the quality of life for young people in remote and isolated regions by teaching both Canadian Ranger and traditional skills, helping them the tools to be dynamic and engaged members of their community.

New buildings for Transport and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering in Bagotville

The Government of Canada is committed to providing the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces with the support they need, including safe and modern work and training facilities. In order to improve the work of the Transport and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering sections, the Department of National Defence has awarded a $46.9 million contract to Cegerco Inc. from Chicoutimi, Quebec,  for the construction work of two buildings at 3 Wing Bagotville, as well as the deconstruction of the old buildings. Work should begin in Spring 2017.

Transport and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering are responsible for the servicing and maintenance of heavy snow removal vehicles and for the maintenance of runways, radars, and lights, and ensure that the equipment is ready at all times. In doing so, they ensure a rapid response from aircraft, whether to protect Canada, defend North America, contribute to international peace and security, or participate in search and rescue operations.

These buildings will be built in accordance with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)silver certification. The Department of Defence continues to evolve as a responsible and sustainable organization by investing in green infrastructure projects.

Quotes

“The women and men at 3 Wing Bagotville perform an essential job, 24 hours a day, in summer and winter. I’m so pleased that through this contract, we enable the Transport and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering sections to continue doing the excellent work of keeping the heavy vehicles and runways of the Wing impeccable, to enable the success of their missions.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister 

Quick Facts 

•   The two modern, expanded, and multifunctional buildings will be dedicated primarily to the maintenance and storage of aircraft maintenance support equipment, heavy vehicles such as snow plows. The buildings will also provide administration areas and parking lots.
•    Deconstruction, rather than demolition, of obsolete buildings will limit the amount of waste by recycling certain materials.
• 3 Wing Bagotville houses 28 CF-188 Hornet fighter aircraft and three CH-146 Griffon helicopters, as well as 47 heavy vehicles for the maintenance of airfield pavement and aircraft refueling. It is under the operational command of 1 Canadian Air Division.  
• The Government of Canada has made the sustainable management of its operations a priority. The new buildings will use materials and lighting that improve energy efficiency and will have better air filtration and product drainage systems, thereby reducing the effects of activities on the workplace and the environment.
• This infrastructure project will provide avenues of economic development for the local community by creating middle class jobs.

Chinese naval ships visit Victoria

Three ships from China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)) arrived in Victoria today as part of a scheduled port visit. The ships will be at anchor outside Esquimalt Harbour for the next two days after which the ships will come alongside at Ogden Point from December 15 to 19..

Foreign navy vessels routinely visit Canada, helping to strengthen cooperation, goodwill and trust.

Members from Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Winnipeg will host the sailors from the visiting ships during their stay.

Canada and China have a defence relationship based on senior-level dialogue as well as discussions and cooperation on defence issues including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, peace support operations, and military education.

Quote 

“I am pleased to welcome the sailors of the People’s Liberation Army (Navy) Ships Yancheng, Daqing, and Taihu to Victoria, home of Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet. As Pacific countries, our navies have a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific region. I look forward to engaging with the senior leadership and sailors over the next few days as they enjoy Victoria’s friendly hospitality.”

Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific

Quick Facts

 The visiting People’s Liberation Army (Navy) ships are:

Type 903 Replenishment Ship Taihu; and

Type 054A Guided Missile Frigates Yancheng and Daqing.

A PLA(N) ship is scheduled to be open for public tours at the following times:

Thursday, December 15, from 12:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Friday, December 16, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 18, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

The last time ships from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (Navy) visited Victoria was in 2006.

The visits of foreign navy vessels are an important part of Canada’s commitment to collective security on the world’s oceans and an integral part of strengthening relationships and promoting cooperation among world navies. Showcasing Canada, its communities, and its hospitality to foreign navies is one way the Defence Team is working to strengthen relationships while also working to build and enhance emerging partnerships that will contribute to international peace and security.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is building its relationship with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) by promoting bilateral cooperation and an ongoing defence dialogue between the two nations.

HMCS Vancouver returns home after a six-month deployment

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver returned to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt today after a successful six-month deployment.

Since departing CFB Esquimalt in June 2016, HMCS Vancouver has operated extensively in the Pacific region. The warship participated in a variety of exercise opportunities, including RIMPAC and KAKADU, and visited several countries in the Asia-Pacific, fostering relationships with partner navies and promoting peace and security in the region as part of WESTPLOY 16.

When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand’s South Island on November 14, HMCS Vancouver was a key asset in supporting the relief efforts in Kaikoura, helping to repair damaged infrastructure and assisting in the transport of emergency supplies using the ship’s Sea King helicopter.

Quotes

“Welcome home to the crew of HMCS Vancouver.  In your six months at sea, you’ve demonstrated why the sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy are held in such high regard around the world.  Not only did you show excellence during exercises, you also displayed outstanding humanity in assisting the people of New Zealand in their time of need. I’m proud of you!”

General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

“I am so proud to welcome HMCS Vancouver back home to Esquimalt after a productive six months at sea. The ship’s deployment is a clear example of the effectiveness of exercising abroad, combined with the capability and flexibility to respond when called upon by our allies. Through engagement in the region, and the support provided to the people of New Zealand affected by the earthquake, HMCS Vancouver served as an exemplary ambassador for the Royal Canadian Navy.”

Rear-Admiral McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific

Quick Facts

 •   WESTPLOY 16 provided a unique opportunity for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

 •   RIMPAC, conducted from June 30 to August 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, is the world's largest international maritime exercise, involving 26 nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and over 25,000 personnel participating this year.

 •   KAKADU, held from September 12-24, is a joint, biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy and supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, with the following 20 nations participating: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, United States of America, and Vietnam.

 •   The RCN “generates forward” by deploying warships and submarines abroad to train and conduct trials. Already at sea, these ships have the people, tools, skills, and flexibility needed to respond quickly when called upon to support Canada’s military priorities in the region, and to provide the Government of Canada with defence and security options. The ship’s capabilities can be augmented on site as needed to meet specialized tasks.

 •   The RCN is one of the most flexible tools for the Government of Canada’s diplomatic and foreign policy. Its missions range from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to deterrence, anti-terrorism and full combat operations. Its 13,000 full-time and part-time military members and 3,700 civilians are stationed across Canada and are deployed around the world.

 •   HMCS Vancouver also deployed earlier this year on SOUTHPLOY 16, an important strategic mission to Central and South America, strengthening ties with several nations including Peru, Chile and Mexico, and conducting several high intensity warfare training exercises with allied nations. During this deployment, HMCS Vancouver made history when it became the first modernized Canadian frigate to successfully test surface-to-surface missiles against a shore-based target.

 •   The RCN remains very active internationally by conducting maritime security operations including intercepting narcotics in the Caribbean and conducting counter-terrorism patrols in the Arabian Sea. Operation CARIBBE, Operation REASSURANCE, and Operation ARTEMIS are examples of how we protect Canada’s interests on the international stage.

Government of Canada Announces 2016 Call For Proposals Bid Submission Period for Science and Technology Investments

The Government of Canada is seeking proposals from government, industry and academia in support of the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Innovation Call for Proposals. Proposed projects will aim to support the development of science and technology (S&T) tools, knowledge and advice that contribute to defending Canada’s sovereignty and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Canadians at home and abroad.

This Innovation Call for Proposals will fund projects under two programs: the All Domain Situational Awareness (ADSA) S&T Program and the Canadian Safety and Security Program (CSSP)

The submission period for proposals will run until January 11, 2017. The selected projects for each program will be announced following completion of a rigorous evaluation process.

Interested bidders should consult information available at https://buyandsell.gc.ca/procurement-data/tender-notice/PW-16-00757940.

Quick Facts

ADSA is a new program led by the Department of National Defence (DND), which aims to apply S&T to identify, assess and validate technologies in support of air and maritime surveillance, particularly in the North.

•   This is the fifth round of projects under the CSSP, launched in 2012. The CSSP aims to strengthen Canada’s ability to anticipate, prevent/mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism, crime, natural disasters, and serious accidents through the convergence of S&T with policy, operations and intelligence.

•   CSSP is a federally-funded program, led by DRDC’s Centre for Security Science, in partnership with Public Safety Canada, which provides policy guidance.

•   DRDC is the national leader in defence and security S&T. As an agency of Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND), DRDC provides the DND, the Canadian Armed Forces and other government departments, as well as the public safety and security communities with the knowledge and technology advantage needed to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad. DND continuously works alongside its partners including other government organizations, academia, private-sector and other science stakeholders to provide timely and knowledge-based information that is key to senior leadership’s decision-making process. 

Quotes

“The defence, and public safety and security landscape continues to evolve at a rate that requires us to constantly adapt to ensure that we have the best tools and knowledge to respond to existing and emerging threats and risks. Investment opportunities like those made possible by the DRDC Innovation

Call for Proposals enable us to develop new capabilities to address these challenges, which ultimately safeguard Canadians.”

Dr. Marc Fortin, Assistant Deputy Minister (S&T) and Chief Executive Officer of DRDC

“Building a safe and resilient Canada is a responsibility shared by all Canadians and Public Safety is committed to supporting innovative science and technology projects. The modernization of emergency management strengthens a whole-of-society resilience and the projects funded through this call contribute to these advancements.”

Lori MacDonald, Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Management and Programs Branch, Public Safety Canada

Canadian Armed Forces Marks 10 Years of Operation CARIBBE

This weekend, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is marking its 10th year of Operation CARIBBE. Since 2006, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force have been credited with supporting the seizure or disruption of more than 66 metric tonnes of cocaine and just under 4 metric tonnes of marijuana.

In 2016 alone, CAF assets and personnel directly contributed to the seizure or disruption of approximately 5,750 kg of cocaine and 1,520 kg of marijuana.

Operation CARIBBE is Canada's participation in Operation MARTILLO, a U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South-led multinational effort among Western hemisphere and European nations to prevent illicit trafficking in the Caribbean Sea, the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and off the coast of Central America.

Quotes

“In my 11 years as a police officer, I’ve seen first-hand the harm done to our communities by organized crime and drug trafficking. Every disruption to the flow of illicit drugs off the coasts of Central and South America means a loss to the organized crime organizations that intend to distribute these drugs in North America. More importantly, it means there are fewer drugs making it to Canadian streets. On behalf of the citizens of Canada, I thank all the members of the Canadian Armed Forces and our allies who participated in Operation CARIBBE during the past 10 years for their efforts and their success in preventing any of those 66,000 kilos of drugs from ever reaching our streets.”

Harjit Sajjan, Defence Minister

"I congratulate every member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has deployed and contributed to 10 successful years of Operation CARIBBE. Their efforts have reduced the amount of illicit drugs entering North America. These members and their families deserve our gratitude for their sacrifices and for putting themselves in harm’s way in order to make the hemisphere and our homes safer places.”

Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander, Canadian Joint Operations Command

"The Canadian Armed Forces are stalwart partners in our efforts to stop the drug trade. This year, and for the past decade, our Coast Guard law enforcement teams have meshed seamlessly with Royal Canadian Navy crews to perform arduous patrols in drug transit zones that result in the seizure of tons of cocaine and apprehension of scores of suspected smugglers.  I'm extremely proud of these front-line crews who deny transnational criminal smuggling organizations billions of dollars in resources and may help curtail the thousands of cocaine related deaths reported each year." 

Rear Admiral Todd Sokalzuk, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard's 11th District - Eastern Pacific Region 

Quick Facts 

In 2016:

•   Since October 2016, the CAF contributed three Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels to Operation CARIBBE: Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Kingston, Brandon, and Edmonton. The latter two will be returning to their home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia in mid-December.   A CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft also took part.

•   Between February and April 2016, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Moncton, Summerside, Edmonton, and Saskatoon also deployed on Operation CARIBBE.

Since 2006:

•   During the 10 years of Operation CARIBBE, the Royal Canadian Navy deployed ships and submarines 63 times and sailed for a total of 1,881 days in direct support of the mission, each time working closely with the United States Coast Guard, the United States Navy and other allied warships and aircraft.

•   In the past 10 years of Operation CARIBBE, the Royal Canadian Air Force deployed CP-140 Aurora long range patrol aircraft 39 times and flew a total of 2,138 hours, providing important surveillance, detection, and disruption capabilities.

•   Operation CARIBBE is one of the many activities undertaken by the Government of Canada and DND/CAF as part of Canada's broader commitment to engagement in the Americas. This annual operation directly supports the CAF's mission to defend against threats and security challenges to Canada, North America, and our defence and security partners.

•   The Canadian Armed Forces have conducted Operation CARIBBE since November 2006 and remain committed to working with Western Hemisphere and European partners to address security challenges in the region and successfully disrupt illicit trafficking operations.

Joint Interagency Task Force South, a subordinate command of United States Southern Command, oversees the detection and monitoring of illicit traffickers and assists US and multinational law enforcement agencies with the interdiction of illicit traffickers

Canada assumes command of Combined Task Force 150

Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officially assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) on behalf of Canada during a change of command ceremony held at Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain today.

Commodore Edmundson took over command from Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir of the Pakistan Navy.

The deployment is part of Operation ARTEMIS, the CAF’s ongoing contribution to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. Canada’s leadership role is a demonstration of the high level of professionalism and expertise of the CAF and its members.

Quotes 

“Canada’s leadership role as part of Combined Task Force 150 is testament to our history of contributing to the security and stability in international waters of the Arabian Sea region. Our active participation reaffirms our longstanding commitment to international peace and security, as well as safeguarding international waters, to ensure that the global trade Canada and the world depend on can proceed freely.”

Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

“I am honoured and privileged to command this counter terrorism task force and to work alongside our maritime security partners in the wider region over the next four months.  Combined Task Force 150 will continue to build upon the achievements of our colleagues before us and we will continue to promote security and stability across some of the world’s busiest and most important shipping lanes.”

Commodore Haydn C. Edmundson, Commander Combined Task Force 150

Quick Facts

•   Canada has deployed 28 CAF personnel and two Department of National Defence civilian employees to lead CTF 150 until April 2017.

•   The Canadian command contingent is supported by personnel of the Royal Australian Navy. The combined nature of this team demonstrates the close relationship between Australia and Canada as well as our shared values and interests.

•   CTF 150 is one of three multinational naval task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces.

•   Through maritime security operations, regional engagements, and capacity building, CTF 150 works to deter and deny terrorist organizations from using the high seas for smuggling weapons, illicit cargo, and narcotics, while ensuring the safe passage of merchant ships in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

New mobile workspaces for the Canadian Armed Forces

Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan announced today the delivery of the last mobile workspaces from DEW Engineering and Development for use by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as medical and dental clinics, workshops, field kitchens and command posts.

The mobile workspaces or “kitted shelters” are equipped with items including work benches, electronic and office equipment, power generators, and tools. The equipment (kitting) transforms the shelters, which are container-based workspaces that provide environmental protection, into functional units providing crucial support services. 

A version of the shelters has already proven useful to the CAF on Operation IMPACT. In the future, they could also be deployed by the CAF in support of disaster relief and humanitarian operations, regional security, peace support and training.

The new mobile workspaces were procured as part of the Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) project which aims to modernize the CAF’s fleet of logistical trucks and mobile workspaces. They were delivered on time and on budget. 

Quotes

“These new mobile workspaces help to improve how the CAF provides important support services on operations at home and abroad. The Government of Canada is committed to providing the women and men of the CAF with the equipment they need to do their jobs." 

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

“The successful delivery of the these kitted shelters shows how the Government of Canada is leveraging procurements to create jobs and economic benefits for all Canadians, while supporting the Armed Forces and ensuring taxpayers get value for money.” 

The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement 

Quick Facts

The MSVS project is a phased procurement with four components: Militarized Commercial Off-The-Shelf trucks (MilCOTS), baseline shelters, kitting of the baseline shelters, and Standard Military Pattern (SMP) trucks.

The Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy applied to MilCOTS,

baseline shelters, and SMP trucks. Prime contractors are

required to undertake business activity in Canada equal to the

contract value, thereby ensuring a dollar-for-dollar investment in

the Canadian economy.

DEW Engineering and Development was contracted to deliver a total of 994 (plus one prototype) baseline (empty) shelters which are “containers.” Delivery was completed in February 2015.