My Library Thing

Onondaga Museum Opens!

The submarine Onondaga is finally opened to the public! After what became a harrowing adventure to bring the submarine to Rimouski and taking her out of the water, the former HMCS Onondaga is now a proud reminder to all who visit her of the daring missions undertaken by Canadian submariners.

This is Canada's first submarine museum and hopefully Canadians from all walks of life will take the opportunity to see how the crew of this Cold War veteran went about their duties. It is well worth the trip to Rimouski where not only will you get to tour the submarine, but also have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and friendly hospitality of the area.

A hearty congratulations to all who have worked so hard to realize this dream.

Visit the museum's website here.

Aussie Sub Problems

So rumour always had it that the Aussies turned down the four Upholders from the British in favour of building their own boats. Of course the naysayers all pointed at that decision when Canada decided to acquire them, saying LOOK! The Aussies are doing the right thing! Let's just build our own! It can't be that hard, right?

WRONG! The same naysayers point out that the Canadian navy has only one boat in operation with the other three unserviceable. Well the Aussies have SIX brand new Collins class boats they built themselves and guess how many of those are serviceable right now? ONE! What? How can that be? Read this article in Adelaide Today for all the sorry details. Looks like Canada did it right...again.

By the way, speaking of doing things right – don’t forget the opening to the public of the submarine Onondaga at the Pointe au Pere Maritime Museum in Rimouski, Quebec coming soon! Watch their website for details

Dwayne Hill Brings HMCS Rainbow Back To Life!

The talents of Dwayne Hill seem to be endless. Watching his highly detailed fleet of Canadian warship models grow has been a joy. His skills as a modeller and craftsman are out shined only by his will to share with others the history of Canada's naval force. The importance of his mission cannot possibly be measured as Dwayne shares the stories of the men and machines which have made and still make Canada's navy one of the most respected in the world.

To see other videos of his outstanding work, please visit his You Tube site here.

HMCS Chicoutimi Heads For New Home

HMCS Chicoutimi had a bit of a long farewell to Halifax this week as she sat upon a heavy lift ship anchored in the harbour awaiting her departure to the west coast. Of course a few politicians who should know better waded into the topic of the boat's transfer to the west coast – questioning the cost of moving her, why they were moving her in the first place and of course trying to gain valuable media points in the process. Party-less MP Bill Casey was loudest with his wailing about the move. Sad he didn’t take the time to study the issue and find as most people would that it only makes sense to move the boat to BC. Sure it will be an economic loss for Halifax, but it is a strategic gain for Canada. Bill might not have noticed, but the cold war with the Soviets is over and the antagonists faced by the West today are, well, west. China and North Korea, that bastion of stability have both been rattling their sabres harder for well over a decade now and as the US Navy has been doing for the past few years, Canada too will have to eventually look at basing the bulk of its navy on the west coast. A bit of a scary thought for the Warden of the North, but one which will have to be accepted as common sense.

So we watched this week as the first of these moves took place with Chicoutimi beginning the long trek towards her new home and eventual repair. She will rejoin the fleet in the future and like her successful sister Corner Brook, will be a proud unit of Canada’s Navy. Godspeed to her and those who will sail in her.

Visit my site here.

Onondaga Home At Last!

YES! Onondaga has finally come home! After stubbornly refusing to be hauled out of the water at the Site Historique Maritime de la Pointe-au-Père Museum in Rimouski, Quebec, the Oberon class submarine has been placed in position, although she did refuse to be moved to the exact spot planned for her. Now the work of turning Onondaga into a world class museum can begin. Congratulations to those whose hard work and dedication brought her there. I for one cannot wait to visit one of Canada’s Cold War weapons in all her glory. This segment of Canadian military history must be preserved and Onondaga will be a fine example of the risks and sacrifices made by the men and women of Canada during that time.

Remembrance Day & The Wartime Heritage Association

Another Remembrance Day has come and gone. Hopefully everyone will have taken a moment to give thanks to those who gave everything for our freedoms and also those who served and are still serving. Maybe you bought a veteran a pint, or just said thank you. Perhaps you did nothing but quietly wear a poppy, a symbol of your respect for sacrifices made.

The news is full of reports that more and more young people are attending Remembrance Day ceremonies around the country. What could be a better foretaste of our future? Perhaps we have slipped past the ‘peace’ generation who stupidly included the men and women serving to protect our country in their hateful, senseless protests. You seriously have to wonder about anyone who can protest someone or something protecting their very right to do so.

Well, this sometimes cynical writer enjoyed a bright light amongst our young people this past week when I attended the Wartime Heritage Association’s production of Echoes Of The 40’s at the th’Yarc Playhouse in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. It was an incredible show with characters, some representing real people, dressed in actual uniforms and period clothing while performing vignettes, stories, and of course, the wonderful music from that era. But what is truly incredible are the performers themselves. All current students or graduates from Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, they put on a show that took you from laughter, to tears, to laughter again.

At first glance I wondered at how a group of ‘kids’ could put on such an incredible performance, until I remembered that the people they were portraying were in fact, their age way back then. This organization certainly embodies all that is great about Canada and young Canadians, and I highly recommend anyone with the opportunity to see their performances. It will be an experience you will not soon forget. Visit their website here.

Onondaga & Voting

Okay, first the REALLY great news! Onondaga, in spite of a rash of stubborn behavior is now upright at the museum in Rimouski. The hard work is far from over but somehow, everything seems so much better now - or at least looks it in the museum webcam! Way to go guys and gals!

Second, Tuesday is our national election. I've heard so many people say, 'I can't be bothered!' or 'What difference does it make anyway?' or worse 'There's an election?'. The way I see it, if you can look a veteran in the eye who watched his friends be blown apart in battle so you can enjoy the freedom to make such stupid comments, than fine. Don't bother. Otherwise, get your sorry asses out to the polls and take advantage of a freedom many would give everything they have to posses! YOU don't know who to vote for? The politicians haven't done anything for YOU lately? Then do something about it! Remember! If YOU don't vote, YOU have written off every right YOU have to ever complain about anything that happens! Yes YOU!

An Important Message We Must Never Forget