Unheard, Unseen...

Remember to Remember

2011-11-09T21:19:00.005-04:00

Another Remembrance Day will soon be here and once again I ask that you take a moment to stop and give a quiet moment of thanks for those who sacrificed everything that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today, and especially give thanks to the veterans you might run into who endured things you will never, ever imagine to give you that freedom.

I know, SOME younger people question what we are giving thanks for. In their minds, the world is a horrible, warlike place and whatever sacrifices were made have certainly not brought peace to the world or enriched their lives.

It is so frustrating to hear some of them (again – SOME) go on and on about how the government did this or didn’t do that, or how their lives are so miserable because they couldn’t find a summer job this year and the neat new accessories they wanted to purchase for their iWhatevers or PS3’s or Xboxes are so expensive!

SOME of them go on about the war in Afghanistan or Libya and blame them on our government or the ‘oil corporations’ while conveniently ignoring that Canadians have been fighting and dying to restore peace to those far off lands, not for oil – news flash! – we have oil! But rather for the good of the people there.

Stepping back for a moment, I guess I can bring myself to understand where they’re coming from. Now wait, before you try to tar and feather me, think about it for a moment. All they hear from most news media outlets today is how some politician did this or that and how we blindly follow the Americans no matter what.

Do these young people know the cold chill of an air raid siren’s wail, warning that waves of bombers are about to drop tons of bombs on the very town or city they live in?

Have they ever had a teacher suddenly shout, Duck and cover!’ sending them to crouch under their school desks while they picture the infamous video of a house, first turning black from the heat and then disintegrating as the blast from a nuclear explosion hits it and wonder if that is what is about to happen to them?

Have they watched as the young girl who lived next door DARED to show up at school one day, only to be drug from the building and…

No, for most of them, the biggest problem they’ve had to endure recently was their Blackberry’s not working for a day or two. They fight back against what they think are horrible lives by ‘occupying’ places while claiming it is their way of changing things. And yet, how many of these people voted in the last election, or the one before that, or ever?

Hopefully, if they happen across a veteran who might have suffered horrible burns during WW-II while piloting a Hurricane or Spitfire, defending that city or town from those bombers, or a veteran from the Korean War who may have crouched in a foxhole on some frozen hill, waiting for hoards of men intent on killing him to rush his position, they will thank them.

Or if they run into a veteran who might have endured isolation and cold you can’t imagine while manning a radar station in the frozen Canadian north, making sure the bomber carrying that nuclear weapon didn’t obliterate their children’s school, or a younger veteran, perhaps their own age, whose eyes show a pain they will never understand, because they saw what happened to that little girl who dared go to school, they will thank them.

But please, don’t complain about your Blackberry not working right, or if you do, understand why they look at you sadly and walk away.

We live in the best country in the world at the best time, but damn it all, most of us are simply too spoiled rotten to realize it.

http://www.daniellittle.com/

Halifax Shipyards & Atlantic Canada Win! (and something about nuclear submarines)

2011-10-29T11:41:00.004-03:00

I think I’m still in shock. Halifax really did win the contract for building the bulk of new warships for the Royal Canadian Navy and there was virtually no fallout from the decision. So, to reiterate, the selection of shipyards was based purely on merit – which yard could do the job best - and NOT based on politics. I wanted to wait before commenting because I was sure there would be fallout or a re-examination of the decision process or…something! But no, other than the interim NDP leader’s comments - what choice did she have being where their power base is now - nothing. Everyone seemed to look at the decision and simply say, ‘Yup, makes sense to me.’

Forgive me for being sceptical, but in spite of never doubting for a moment that Halifax Shipyards was obviously the best choice, having seen what’s happened in the past, I honestly expected the contract would go to Quebec. Especially with the 11th hour ‘dealing’ that was going on with Davie Shipyards and the extension added to the submission deadline so they could throw together a bid.

Like most of you who may have watched the decision announcement on television, I held my breath; knowing what should happen but hoping we here in the land of Bluenoser’s would receive at least the second, smaller contract. There was a moment’s hesitation as the translations were being messed up as usual, but the site of everyone literally going nuts at the Halifax Shipyard made me realize that what I had thought impossible had just happened.

A Canadian Federal Government had decided that enough was enough and had ensured the contract – the largest ever in Canada – would go where it SHOULD go and followed through to make sure that would happen.

What this will mean to Nova Scotia and indeed all of Atlantic Canada has been well documented so I won’t go into that here. Suffice it to say that the Royal Canadian Navy can be assured that they will once again be sailing the BEST warships in the world if they are sent in harms way.

Oh, and the peaceniks of course aren’t happy. They are already out there with their screams of, ‘Imagine what that money would buy…’ They are right of course. Imagine what that money could buy in a perfect world. It would be wonderful to see it poured all over the 99% (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself) but our world is far from perfect and we need to make sure that we have the ability to defend our freedoms and values – oh, and their right to complain about our military defending their right to…well, you get the picture.

In a 'slightly' related story, the CBC yesterday (October 28th) announced that the Harper Government was looking at buying nuclear submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy. That will teach Minister of Defence, Peter MacKay to dare verbalize his dreams. A mere suggestion of his sent our national broadcaster into a fury and the comments on their website were totally insane. Canada of course, is not buying nuclear submarines, but on the other hand, it was kind of fun to watch people who hadn’t bothered to read through the whole article dive off the deep end.

Of course many of them went on the usual rant about how Canada has never been involved with nuclear weapons and why would we start now. I would ask them to Google Canadian Nuclear Weapons. I would also suggest thet they be sure to sit down when you do because if Peter MacKay’s musing set them off, they’re really not going to like what they find out about our 'Peace Keeping' efforts during the Cold War.

http://www.daniellittle.com/

Where Were You on 9/11

2011-09-09T18:08:00.002-03:00

Where were you on 9/11?

It is hard to believe that ten years haspassed since that fateful day which will always be known simply as 9/11. Thereis no need to add the year. Everyone knows which September 11^th isbeing refered to.

I remember that day clearly. A friend and I hadarrived in Virginia Beach, Virginia late in the afternoon on September10th.

Va Beach is a great spot if you’re lookingfor beaches and sun. If you’re into military history, especially of thenautical variety, this is your Mecca.With the Norfolk Naval Base, the largest in the world to the west and MasterJet Base, NAS Oceana, to the southwest, for picture taking and touring ofmilitary installations, this is the place to be, and nicely sandwiched inbetween is Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, a US Navy SEAL base.

September 10th, 2001 Virginian-Pilot

Arriving at Virginia Beach, I grabbed the local paper asusual to see what might be going on of interest and chuckled at the front pagestory. People who had built their homes alongside the Oceana Air Station werecomplaining that the jets were noisy. They were right about that!Pretty stupid place to build or buy a home if you enjoy peace and quiet. Thereare always aircraft flying overhead in this area; a combination of civilian jetlinersbringing in the newest load of tourists with a sprinkling of US Navy jetsflying to and from the aircraft carriers based at Norfolk (or just beating up the beach). Thefocus of the story was the new (at that time), even noisier, F-18 Super Hornets whichwere on their way. See the Sept 10^th front page of the VirginianPilot to the right. Twenty four hours later, this same scene would be welcomed beyond all immagination.

September 12th, 2001 Virginian-Pilot

Enjoying the rest of the day, we relaxed inpreparation for the busy day ahead and turned in early. As usual, I was up atdawn watching as they raked and cleaned the miles of beach in preparation foranother day (seriously – they do this EVERY morning). Later, I turnedthe TV to CNN, my usual morning ritual, and was amazed to see an image of oneof the World Trade Centre towers with smoke streaming from it. Hearing thetalking head indicate that an aircraft had flown into the tower, my firstthought was how could a pilot make that kind of mistake?

As I tried to see from the damage what kindof plane it might have been, a blur from the left caught my eye but before Icould focus on what it was, an explosion blew out from the side of the othertower.

Yelling at my friend to come quick I staredin disbelief at the screen. The CNN people were doing no better and sat therefor a few moments, not knowing what to say or do.

Amphibious Base Little Creek

Like so many that morning, we just satthere mesmerized as the information started to trickle in. The Pentagon had beenhit. Another aircraft had gone down somewhere – they weren’t sure where yet butthought it was in rural Pennsylvania.

A few hours later, we finally toreourselves from the TV to go find something to eat and upon stepping outside;the first thing that struck us was the silence. The endless stream and roar of passengerplanes was gone and all that flew over the city was a pair of US Navy F-18Hornets. I remember pointing out the missiles on their wingtips and hangingbeneath their fuselages – definitely not the blue practice ones.


Smoke over Manhattan from the towers on the way Home

That evening we watched as an aircraftcarrier left Norfolkheading out to sea. We later learned it was headed north to defend the coastalareas around NYC. Needless to say the tours of military bases were now out.Their entrances were soon blocked by concrete and in the case of Little Creek,a large vehicle with a large gun.Who needs Jersey Barriers when you have a few tracked military vehicles around.

The terrorists should have studied their history. Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's comment after Pearl Harbour certainly would apply to them; "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." It took many years, but that resolve finally paid off with the elimination of Osama bin Laden. The war on terror continues and as we see country after country eliminating their dictatorial leaders, there is hope that one day, the world will be at peace.

To those who lost friends and family onthat day,

our thoughts are still with you.

To those men and women who are fighting thewar on terrorism today,

our gratitude and prayers follow you.

www.daniellittle.com

INVASION!

2011-06-05T11:19:00.003-03:00

Monday, June 6^th marks the anniversary of the largest amphibious assault in military history. When allied forces landed on France that morning, it was the culmination of a plan so complex that many doomed it to failure from the beginning. It is hard to imaging what General Dwight D Eisenhower had to overcome, trying to coordinate the allied leaders into focusing on one goal – the liberation of Europe. Working with the various personalities involved in the planning stages, many with huge, easily bruised egos, must have seemed as daunting a task as the breaching the Atlantic Wall itself.

Once the planning was completed and the time table set in place, the responsibility for the operation’s success passed on to the men and women who would play a part in the invasion itself. From the soldier puking his guts out in a landing craft bouncing on the waves, to the French resistance fighter hanging precariously from a pole while cutting a telegraph line, to the cooks aboard the ships bombarding the coast who made sure the gunners were fed, their actions that day made a difference.

We sometimes get caught up in the overall image of the invasion in all its magnitude and forget that the real story is made up of many small stories – all involving a person striving to do their duty while at the same time, trying to stay alive.

On this anniversary, when we will see the usual images of fleets of ships, waves of aircraft and swarms of men fighting across the beaches, look closely and note the individuals and imagine what is going through that person’s mind as they sail, fly, run across the beach or parachute into the darkness. Are they thinking of their families back home? Hoping they don’t let their comrades down? Perhaps they are just saying a prayer that they make it through this day.

They are probably not wondering if many decades later, ‘Will anyone remember me and the sacrifices I made today?’

On Monday, stop for a moment and honour their memories. They did not fight just to free France or even Europe. They fought for the freedom of men and women everywhere and on the morning of June 6^th, 1944, every single one of them, even those who paid the ultimate price, won that battle.

For information on Canada's roll in the invasion, please visit the Juno Centre by clicking here.

www.daniellittle.com

VOTE!

2011-05-01T11:38:00.002-03:00

If you are reading this, you enjoy freedoms beyond the wildest dreams of citizens in many other countries. Tomorrow, May 2nd, is Election Day in Canada. In the time it would take many of you to enjoy a coffee break or have a quick snack, you can thank those responsible for the freedoms you enjoy by showing them the sacrifices they’ve made were not in vain by exercising your right to vote.

A few minutes out of your day to place an ‘X’ in a circle will show that you appreciate the hell some soldier experienced in a muddy, rat infested trench in France praying that the next shell or cloud of gas would pass him by.

It will indicate that you acknowledge the freezing cold and fear a member of the navy or merchant marine lived through while waiting for a torpedo to send him and his mates into the freezing waters of the North Atlantic where the chances of rescue were slim to none.

You will display appreciation for the airman who trapped in his burning aircraft fought desperately to escape, hoping his parachute was not aflame when he opened it.

That simple ‘X’ will be your way of saying that you respect the woman who flying alone through horrible weather made sure the aircraft she flew made it across the ocean, where it was so desperately needed.

If you can’t be bothered to show appreciation for those who lived and died so you would have that right, then turn off your computer, turn off your cell phone and imagine your TV receiving only one, government controlled channel. Pretty scary, eh?

Show that you appreciate your freedoms. Get your butt to the polling station tomorrow and vote! Not sure where to go? Click here

It's Election Time!

2011-03-29T15:40:00.006-03:00

What’s that? You’re not going to vote this time? You don’t see the point because nothing ever changes? You don’t like the people who are running, so why bother?

You need to go visit your local Legion.
Walking in, you find a Canadian Army vet from WW-II sitting at the bar. He listens to you but is distracted by the memories of when he landed on Juno Beach during the D-Day invasion. While you’re speaking to him, his mind may wander to how he had to jump off the landing craft and try to run across the beach while machinegun fire and artillery shells exploded around him tearing his friends to shreds. He might be remembering how after finally reaching a temporary safe haven against a rock, a dune or maybe a wall, how his thoughts had been a mixture of fear, sadness for his friends, and a hope that this hell he was going through was worth it and would make a difference in the future.

You’ll probably think he’s ignoring you and get up to walk away. That is when you might notice that he is missing a leg.

Hey! There’s a Royal Canadian Air Force vet. He seems friendly enough. I bet he’ll listen to you and understand why you don’t want to bother taking time from your busy day to vote. Ah, but wait; there’s that far off stare again. Perhaps he is remembering the last time he strapped himself into a Spitfire, Typhoon or maybe it was a Lancaster or Halifax bomber. I bet in his mind he’s adjusting his oxygen mask and saying a short prayer as he always did that if enemy shells did hit him, he would be killed instantly. You see, it takes a long time for an aircraft to fall from ten or twenty thousand feet and while it is, the fire is reaching for you while you try to unfasten the harness which moments before had kept you safely in the seat. The lucky ones make it out and hit the silk although sometimes not before battling the fire that is devouring their aircraft.

Sensing you there (his pilot’s instincts are still sharp all these years later), he turns towards you and apologizes for seeming to be distracted. You notice the side of his face which had been hidden from you is badly scared. You buy him a drink and wish him a good day before turning away in embarrassment.

Moving across the room, you see a man sitting alone at one of the tables. Asking if you can join him, he waves towards the empty chair across the table in response and says hello. He is wearing what you surmise is a Canadian Navy hat. A faded old badge containing a silver anchor surrounded by gold leaves below a crown is attached to the front of it and you wonder if that signifies anything. Seeing how your first two attempts at conversations went, you decide to start off by talking about the weather and how it’s finally starting to warm up. As though that were a queue, he starts telling you about his service in the North Atlantic aboard a Corvette. Not sure what that is, you ask and he laughs, explaining that it is a small ship; crowded, cold, always wet and that it bobs around on the waves as though its only purpose is to see if it can make you fall overboard. Then the smile disappears from his face as he remembers a friend who was washed over the side one stormy night in mid-winter. There was no stopping or turning back to search for the missing man as enemy submarines prowled these waters and a stopped ship was a dead ship.

You start to stand, but the old man reaches out and places a calloused hand upon your arm. Wait, he says obviously enjoying having someone to talk to. Perhaps it is curiosity, or maybe you are starting to ‘get it’, whichever it is, you ask him what it was like. He waves over to the bartender and orders you a drink before beginning his story. You sit in silence, devouring his words. He was just a kid when he lied about his age to get into the navy. After training, he was sent to Halifax where he met his first ship, an already worn out Corvette. The blue and white paint, long faded had been touched up so many times it was hard to tell what colour she had been. He laughs out loud as he tells you about the wooden pole mounted where a gun should be. He leans forward and smiles as he tells you how it didn’t matter – the sharp bow of his old Corvette was all it took to slice a submarine that had foolishly surfaced in front of them, in two, forcing it and her crew to the bottom. He raised his glass at that moment, but didn’t take a drink. You look at him and seeing the expression on your face, he smiles again, explaining that all men who die at sea are brothers. He carries on with the story of his young life; telling about seeing ships of the convoy they were escorting blowing up in the darkness but also the joy of seeing at least some of them make it to England where the food they carried was so desperately needed.
Sliding today’s paper over towards you, he points to a story. Those people in Libya, he says, same thing. Fighting and dying for their freedom. I wish I were young again and could go over there and help them… His eyes close and he seems to be deep in thought. You stand, and turn to leave, but stop. Turning back towards the old man, you reach out your hand, thanking him for all he did. Taking your hand in his, he thanks you for listening and gives you a knowing smile. It’s as though he’s known all along what you were there for.

Instead of leaving, you go invite the soldier and airman over to the sailor’s table and order all of them a round of drinks and sit down again. A few hours later, you return to your safe little home and turning on the computer, you go to the Elections Canada webiste and find out where to vote.

You get it now. It’s not about the politicians and it sure as hell isn’t about any inconvenience for you to go mark an ‘X’ on a piece of paper. It’s about the men and women who died so you could have the right and freedom to do so.

www.daniellittle.com

HMCS Corner Brook Headed West

2011-03-25T09:48:00.005-03:00

On February 25th, I was enjoying a break at my desk and decided to take a quick look at what was transiting the Panama Canal at their webcam.

Lo and behold, a submarine was making its way through the Miraflores Locks! Upon closer scrutiny, I thought it REALLY looked like one of our Victoria’s which could only have been HMCS Corner Brook as she was currently the only boat in the water.

The Trident - www.tridentnews.ca/ - contained an article on Corner Brook’s trip to the west coast for maintenance as per the new agreement with CSMG in Victoria. Although this contract originally met with controversy, it really only made sense as over time we will probably see a large majority of Her Majesty’s Canadian Warships moved to the west coast.

Let’s face it – the Cold War is over and there are far more countries with questionable intent along the Pacific Rim then along the Atlantic coasts.

Meanwhile, back to HMCS Corner Brook, I grabbed a screen shot of her going through one of the locks. You'll see a ‘cover’ was erected atop her sail which is necessary in that area to protect you from the hot sunshine, or drenching rain.

Hopefully the boat’s work will proceed quickly and she will soon be sailing the oceans again.

I Say, Sorry Old Chap, But We'll Build Our Own

2011-03-07T20:43:00.003-04:00

The Conservative government has announced that there will be no partnership with the British in the design and building of new warships to replace the Halifax class frigates (yes boys and girls, it’s time to be thinking of that already).

This is a great move on the government’s part for two reasons:

1) We want our warships designed for OUR sailors and THEIR needs.
2) We always have and still can build the best warships in the world.

This is not a new fighter plane requiring technology we no longer posses. That sad fact cannot be reversed now, but when it comes to warships, Canada stands proud. When the St. Laurent class of destroyers slid down the ways in the 50’s, they were the best anti-submarine ships in the world. The Iroquois class ships are the epitome of multi- functionality, and when the current Halifax FFG’s hit the water, they were the best in the world in their class.

I have no doubt that history will repeat itself and the newest warships to be stamped Made in Canada will do our Navy proud. Hey, once we have what we need, maybe we can look at building and selling a few to the Brits assuming they want the very best. Sadly for them, the best will only be available in Canada (with apologies to Red Rose).

...and so this is Christmas

2010-12-24T18:43:00.001-04:00

Once again it is that time of year when everything and everyone seems to be a little more at peace (Shopping malls excluded of course). I want to take this opportunity to wish all of the men and women serving in the various branches of the Canadian Forces & Coast Guard a Merry Christmas. No matter where you serve, from the headline making war in Afghanistan to the lowliest outpost in the north, know that you are remembered and thought of.

As NORAD tracks Santa on his trip around the world, it is comforting to know that I am protected by a dedicated group of people serving the best country in the world; from the Chief of the Defence Staff to the Canadian Ranger riding his snowmobile across the frozen north.

To those who serve and who have served, I thank you, and wish you the very best of the season and a prosperous and safe New Year.

Daniel L Little

Dang! Lost another Poppy!

2010-11-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

Another Remembrance Day has come and gone. Some Canadians honoured our Veterans by wearing a Poppy – well, numerous Poppies as they were lost and replaced over the past couple of weeks. Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned from those easily lost Poppies…

Like the Poppies that seem so fragile as they hang from our clothing this time of year, the rights and freedoms bought for us by our Veterans are just as fragile and as with the Poppies, they can just as easily be lost if we become too complacent.

So as another Remembrance Day passes, don’t forget to remember our Veterans and those who still wear the uniform today defending our freedoms. Honour them, not just now, but all year long as the sacrifices made by so many did not take place on one day alone. Let us remember them every day and when you see a Veteran or member of the Canadian Armed Forces, thank them for their service or buy them a coffee. It’s the least we can do for all they have done.

And always remember how fragile that little Poppy was in November and how easily it slipped unnoticed from your clothing.

YOU can help the HMCS Ojibwa Museum Project

2010-07-20T20:37:00.002-03:00

This is an urgent message from Catherine Raven, asking for your help on the Ojibwa Project. You are requested to vote online if you support the project. See the details below.
------------------
Greetings Everyone,

I think many of you know that my brother is Executive Director and Curator of the Elgin Military Museum in St. Thomas, Ontario. They have received a large government grant to get the cold war submarine, HMCS Ojibwa and convert it to a museum. Port Stanley, while not the only option is a very good one but the editor of the Port Stanley News has not been very complimentary and it is creating excuses for delay. Delay is very detrimental to the project because the sub must get through the seaway before it closes for the winter. The grant expires next March 31st before the seaway opens again. I don't know if the newspaper just likes to oppose for the sake of raising issues or whether she does not like the project or many other projects that would bring anything new to the village. In any case, she is running a poll in the Port Stanley News and I would very much appreciate it if you would vote Yes. This is not something confined to villagers as it has important ramifications for the whole county. The Museum received the grant because their business plans forecast up to 40 full and part time jobs in a very depressed area. The proposed submarine museum affects both villager and visitor. So, if you have a moment, please register a yes vote at Port Stanley News

The voting button is on the left side of, and half way down, the webpage: Click here.

Thanks so very much,
Catherine Raven

Happy 100th Birthday to Canada's Navy

2010-05-03T23:29:00.003-03:00

One hundred years old.

For a person, 100 years of age is a seldom reached plateau. The Queen will send you a personal letter on your 100 birthday. How nice is that?

Some cars are still around from 100 years ago. We call them cars but really they are just wagons with motors and a simple drive system.

Those of us who are half that age can somewhat appreciate how long a time that represents. And even we think of 100 years and say, ‘Hey, that’s old!’

But what if we are talking about a navy?

100 years? Hey, someone wipe the snot off that kids nose!

In navy terms, 100 years old usually means that you’re just starting to think about puberty. The Brits would look down at you and sneer. ‘I say, you can’t SERIOUSLY be thinking of comparing yourself to US?’

Most of the world’s navies hanging around the 1st century mark would not dare do anything but bow when a warship of Her Majesty’s Navy sails past. Why even that relatively new guy on the block, the United States Navy demands and receives the respect of her fellow navies around the world.

No, those 100 year wonders would bow their heads, dip their flags and stand aside as those older, more experienced fellows sailed mightily past.

All except for one.

The Canadian Navy.

Pull up a chair and let me tell you a story about a kid who grew up fast. Who stepped up when the chips were down and said, ‘Excuse me, I’ll take a crack at that.’

World War I started and Canada was…well, let’s just say not ready yet. But those Canadians fought! Damn how they fought! If anyone did not learn to respect the lads manning the few ships of their own navy as well as those serving aboard Royal Navy warships at sea, they soon learned what Canadians could do in battle on the ground.

The older established navies raised an eyebrow and gave this mere baby of a naval force a second look, and then ignored it as the war drew to a close.

‘Who was that young lad back there in ’18,’ the old codgers sitting around in their over stuffed leather chairs would ask when talking of those great days of glory. ‘Can’t say I remember,’ was often the answer.

In 1939, the Royal Canadian Navy was still just a kid. He didn’t have much in the way to play with and again a war found him wanting. There was a difference this time however.
That old codger was not sitting back in his stuffy chair with an equally stuffy attitude looking around with pride at his mighty ships of the line which surrounded him. No, not this time. The Royal Navy still had a lot of ships, but too many of them dated back to that previous war and this time, against a strong and powerful foe, he found himself wanting.

Again, that frisky little kid from across the water stepped up. ‘Look Gramps,’ he said with a toothy grin. ‘You hang in there and we’ll be right over.’

‘Hmmpf,’ snorted the old man as he nervously fidgeted in his chair.

Sure enough, the mouthy little Commonwealth kid DID show up. He showed up with…
‘HA!’ The old RN senior nearly fell out of his chair laughing at the site of what the Canadian had shown up with. ‘I say! What the devil do you think you’ll do with those?!’

He pointed down at the fleet of little ships the Canadian had brought with him. They were already showing streaks of rust amongst damage caused by the battering they had taken while crossing the North Atlantic.

‘Look at that one there,’ the RN veteran laughed, medals clinking loudly on his chest. ‘I say! It looks like that one has a REAL gun!’

The Canadian looked up at the old man, and stood his ground. He knew this island nation was being threatened with starvation and needed his help. He also knew the Royal Navy was perhaps a little too steeped in tradition to appreciate that old adage about the amount of fight in the dog being more important than the size of the dog in the fight.

The rest of this story has been told over and over again. How those ‘little ships’ went to sea again and again with the most rag tag bunch of sailors to ever step foot on the deck of a warship.

How that old RN codger went from laughing at the little ships to looking anxiously for them. No longer laughing but now upon seeing one of the multi coloured little Corvettes steaming up the rows of ships in his convoy, breathing a sigh of relief. The Canadians were here – we’ll be okay now.

By the end of this war, that Canadian kid was the third largest on the block and did not have to look up to anybody. Hitler’s U-Boats had almost succeeded reaching their goal of starving out the island nation the old codger called home. Had he lived, the dictator would have stared in total disbelief at the force which brought his vaunted submarines to their knees.

One of them may very well have been the fastest warship in the world. He got a new bunch of destroyers – frigates – escorts – didn’t seem like the Canadian guy could make up his mind what to call them, but they did have one name that no one argued over – sub killers. They were the best in the world at what they did and still are.

A cold war came and went. Soviet submarines were often the fodder for the Canadian kid and his wonder toys. Sometimes the usually quiet Canuck liked to brag.

‘Hey,’ he yelled at the Brits and Yanks one stormy day. ‘Watch what I do with this helicopter and…!’

The old Brit and Yank didn’t catch the rest of what the kid said. It was drowned out by the wind whistling through the wires on their ship’s masts and the waves crashing over their bows. Next thing they knew, there was this oddly painted Sea King lifting from the deck of the kid’s ship.

‘Damn FOOL,’ yelled the Brit over to the Canadian ship bouncing along the waves. Then he just stared in amazement as the helicopter landed…LANDED on the pitching little deck!

‘I say,’ said the stunned Brit.

‘Damn,’ mouthed the shocked American.

That war too finally came to an end one day.

Now there is a new war. A war against...well, a war against a lot of things. Scary things that do not appear under a flag or wearing a uniform, letting you know that they are the enemy. No, this new war is against someone insidious who sneaks up on you and when you least expect it…

The Canadian kid is ready though. He’s older now. Young for a navy mind you but in his short but very exciting history he has earned his place. You see that when one of the Yanks powerful aircraft carrier battle groups sails past carrying more destructive force than those first two wars combined.

But there, amongst the dark gray warships protecting the carrier will almost always be one ship of a different color. A lighter shade of gray with a splash of red maple leaf upon her funnel – a fighter that the men aboard the carrier know will protect them as though the huge flat-top was one of her own.

Yes, the little scrapper is 100 years old today. The Queen won't send him a letter. No, she’ll come over in person to honour this centenarian. Twice he sailed over to protect her homeland and she knows he’s ready to do it again.

Ready…Aye ready.

Happy birthday to Canada’s navy and the men and women who have served and who serve today. Looking at what you’ve done in such a short time, I can’t even imagine what the future holds for you. One thing is certain - you will make us proud – you always do.

www.daniellittle.com

Unheard, Unseen... An Excerpt

2010-04-18T21:17:00.004-03:00

Here is an excerpt from the exciting novel, Unheard, Unseen…

“Okay Brad, let’s give her a few moments and be sure.” Mike was confident that the noise generated by Salt Lake City’s escape was probably confusing the surface ship’s sonar and he hoped that by going quiet, the escorts might just chase after their own submarine.
The thick acoustic tiles covering Corner Brook’s hull would not reflect sound waves from anyone at a distance, and he was hoping they hadn’t lost any of them on the voyage down here. Someone had to come up with a better adhesive for those things. Worse of all, the holes created by any missing tiles created noise at almost any speed as the water flowed over them.
“Fredericton has changed course. She’s heading after the other boat sir!” Brad nearly fell out of his chair turning towards the captain. He was excitedly watching the line representing the Canadian frigate start to grow fainter on his scope. Too bad for her sonar team, but they should have known better. Skimmer ears, he thought. Sad bunch. Maybe someday he’d go over and offer to teach them a few things. More likely he’d find himself treading water in Halifax harbour if he did.
“Brad, how far to the carrier?”
“A bit over twenty-one hundred yards sir. Solution is locked in. He’s ours.”
“Weapons, open outer doors on one and two. You have the solution.”
This was it, Mike thought. All their hard work and the best engineering minds in the navy had come down to this moment. He listened and watched as Brad made sure his headset was perfectly adjusted over his ears, avoiding the tendency to push them down lest he start hearing his own pulse amongst the sounds coming through the microphones arrayed along the hull and down the ‘tail’.
“Nothing sir,” Brad whispered, looking to his right to make sure the CO heard him.
They had worked. The outer doors on the bow of the submarine had opened without a sound on their newly designed hinges, while the updated complex plumbing had allowed the tubes to fill with water without a single swish of noise. In the past, the sound of water flooding a submarine’s torpedo tubes or the opening of the tube doors were easily picked up by sonar operators anywhere in the area.
The weapons officer was watching the displays in front of him and noted the green lights flashing on the panel just above his head.
“Tubes one and two, ready sir. Connect test on both ‘fish’ positive,” he informed the captain. It was crucial that the computer ran a quick test to make sure the tiny wires attached to the torpedoes were connected properly, or a very expensive piece of hardware would be totally useless the moment it left the tube. Down these wires would travel the control signals from the submarine, giving the torpedo its course to target as it tore through the water.
“Sonar, one hundred percent power! Hit her!”

Visit www.unheardunseen.com to purchase your copy today.

Canadian Forces Respond to Haiti - Daniel Agrees With Scott Taylor!

2010-01-18T14:15:00.005-04:00

Today marks a special occasion - a literary one. For the first time in a very long time, I find myself agreeing with Scott Taylor’s article in the Chronicle Herald. In today's column (January 18, 2010), Mr. Taylor had positive remarks for everyone from the Prime Minister to the sailors aboard the Canadian warships on their way to Haiti!

He acknowledges the rapid and impressively sized response from Canada to the earthquake ravished country where there will soon be more than 2000 Canadian Forces members helping out in the humanitarian effort on the ground. The fast action taking by the federal government and our military’s ability to step up, should have every Canadian beaming with pride in the men and women who at the drop of a hat, have managed to respond to the needs of their fellow beings.

I am so proud of them! Our previously much maligned forces who are in the middle of a war in Afghanistan and at the same time, setting up for the massive security challenge of the Olympics, were still able to shine when the need arose in yet another corner of the globe.

To the Prime Minister of Canada who saw the need for new equipment for our military right now; to the officers commanding the men and women of our armed services and especially to the men and women who proudly wear the maple leaf on their shoulders, thank you. You have once again shown the world what Canada is really all about – stepping up to help those who cannot help themselves.

See Scott Taylor’s article in the Chronicle Herald by clicking here.

www.unheardunseen.com

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2009-12-24T20:26:00.003-04:00

And so another year comes to a close. I wish for all of you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2010! As always, while sitting here and typing this, I give thanks for the freedoms we all enjoy in this wonderful country called Canada. Remember, especially during this holiday season, the many men and women of our armed services who are on duty. Some of them stand watch in lonely outposts, far from friends and family. Others are in harms way, protecting the freedoms of those too weak to do so themselves. More than a few are part of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defence Command, and as they have for the past 50 Years, they stand on guard, like the song says, for us.

If you happen upon one of them, say thank you; if they are ahead of you at the coffee shop, give a shout to their server that ‘I’ve got that one.’ The cost of a cup of coffee is a pittance compared to the price they pay every day so that we may enjoy our holiday season in peace.

Let us all hope and pray for a more peaceful 2010.

www.unheardunseen.com

The Hopeless Canadian Media

2009-12-12T21:43:00.004-04:00

Okay, we get it. Some slimy terrorist was probably tortured in some way in an Afghani prison, and like ‘Climate Change’ it is all Canada’s fault. I have to admit being impressed at this new power Canada is wielding over the world these days. According to the media and various insane protesters, all of the world’s ills seem to be either caused by, or are continuing because of, Canada! How impressive is that?

I do feel bad that some poor terrorist might have been abused after being handed over to the Afghani authorities. Nowhere near as bad as I feel for the friends and families of the Canadian soldier whose death that person may have been directly responsible for. Or perhaps they were responsible for one of the terrorist acts targeting civilians – men, women and children – indiscriminately killing them.

Three points the media really must consider in their endless tirade over this:

1) We didn’t do it. The Afghanis did. Please feel free to go to any Afghani prison and start screaming at them. Let me know how you make out with that.

2) I would love to see you spend as much time and energy pointing out the good that our troops are doing there. Go to an Afghani school and walk up to a little girl and say ‘Hi!’. If you figure out my point in that request – good for you – there may be hope for our media yet!

3) You cannot judge another country based on our standards. Just because we baby coddle our prisoners does not mean that everyone else does. I guess if we are going to have the Afghanis act civilized in a ‘Canadian’ way, we should issue all the guards with Tasers and... Oh – wait a minute – skip that.

So here is what I propose. Let’s see some balanced reporting about what is going on over there and be fair. Stop listening to the idiots who compare this conflict with Vietnam (I feel pretty secure that a major super power is not supporting the Taliban as was the case with the North Vietnamese). Go find that girl in school and report on the miracle that represents. Talk to the men and women wearing the uniforms of the Canadian Armed Forces and see what they have to say. Or…read your Canadian history. Next time you want to throw out how this is hopeless because Afghanistan has been at war for so many years…check on Canada. If you look at our war timeline, we’re right up there with them.

www.unheardunseen.com

November 11th - Remembrance Day

2009-11-08T13:59:00.003-04:00

Remembrance Day - Perhaps with the ongoing war in Afghanistan, there will be a few more people at the various services taking place in communities all over Canada on that day. With the recent deaths amongst the men and women who serve our country and ourselves, maybe there will be a little more motivation this year to show that we not only support those wearing the uniform today, but of course remember the many who made the supreme sacrifice so we may enjoy the freedoms we possess.

Dare I expect that on this Remembrance Day, we will act as one nation and show that minority of nay-sayers that we do indeed stand besides the sailors, soldiers and air force personnel as a unified Canada. Perhaps the newspapers will set aside, for at least this one day, the endless stories of how some POW might have been treated poorly, ignoring of course the likelihood that that same POW may be directly responsible for a Canadian death, and instead use the entire front page of their broadsheet to honour our dead. Oh, and not with a number please. This is not a lottery. There is no prize for the 500th person killed. Do not destroy their honour by calling them by a number! Ever! They have names, families, people who loved and cared about them. When you refer to them, use their rank and names ONLY! Save your statistics for the sports page.

Dare I hope that the leading news item on television that day might not be yet another story on who received the flu shot first, but rather on the incredibly proud history Canada possesses as a nation and how terrible the cost was for that achievement? There will be no more important story that day, for the television station’s mere right to exist was bought with those sacrifices.

Dare I dream that some of the media’s regulars, especially one in particular who oddly enough, has a recurring column in Halifax’s (one of Canada’s largest military towns) newspaper, will pen a story about how incredibly proud they are of all those whose sacrifice made it possible for them to hold the jobs they do. Just this one day, set aside your endless whining about our government, our military leaders, and Canada’s foreign policies, and instead, say thank you for those who gave all, and to those who still serve.

Dare I demand that this recent, foolish thought pattern of changing Remembrance day to ANYTHING but what it is now will just go away and never rear its ugly head again? An article in my local paper this week regurgitated that concept and I would love to take the author to a Legion and say, ‘There! Convince these men and women of that idea, and I will consider it!’

Dare I even imagine, a move in the House of Commons, to make November 11th, a statutory holiday? By that I mean essential services ONLY (And no, Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire are not essential services). Coffee shops could open, after noon, because what a great opportunity for all of us to buy a cup for that veteran, or service person who might happen to be in the line in front of us, which is something we should all be doing the entire year. Surely the entire House would vote ‘yea’ to this! With the possible exception of members from that party who in half the countries of the world would be hung for treason. Then again, what more obvious sign than their existence is there, that we are indeed a free nation?

This coming Wednesday is Remembrance Day…don’t forget.

Onondaga on Monster Moves

2009-10-18T21:09:00.003-03:00

I am sure this will eventually air here in Atlantic Canada, although I am not terribly surprised it hasn't as of yet. It amazes me how the media has ignored this whole move, museum setup and incredibly successful first season the Onondaga Museum has enjoyed up in Rimouski. One would think having a premier submarine museum born right under our noses would have caught some local reporter’s attention.

Maybe it’s as Moe says in the video – their job was ‘to come unseen, and unheard.’ It looks like Onondaga was able to leave that way as well. Congratulations again to all those whose unending work made this possible.

Visit their website here.

www.unheardunseen.com

USS Shark & USS Skipjack Visit Halifax

2009-09-05T17:06:00.007-03:00

I am not sure of the date, but this would have been somewhere ‘around’ the late eighties. A friend of mine informed me of a couple of submarines over at the CFB Shearwater pier and with him having access to the lower part of the base, we drove over. It was a wonderful surprise to find USS Shark and USS Skipjack tied up in clear view. This was my first close up look at one of the fast little boats of the Skipjack class. Having just returned from New London, CT and seeing one of the Ohio’s out on the slipway at GD Electric Boat, viewing this tiny pair had come as a bit of a shock. I had just snapped this image when a military police officer ‘suggested’ that my camera and I should leave now and wanting to stay in his good graces, we did just that. The negative unfortunately has a few ‘dings’ in it but it is still a nice shot of the pair of boats berthed inside the jetty.

USS Shark is on the left and you can see by the huddled look of the sailor on USS Skipjack’s plane, that it is a chilly day in Halifax which can be seen in the background. At that time, visits by US and Brit boats were pretty frequent but over the years, they have dropped off considerably.

www.unheardunseen.com

Fraser Home At Last

2009-07-21T21:48:00.003-03:00

The former HMCS Fraser, DDH-233 came home tonight. Luckily for me, I happened to be glancing through the Chronicle Herald’s website this evening and saw the story of how two Canadian Navy tugs picked her up early this morning in Bridgwater for the twelve hour tow back to Halifax. Quickly bringing up the Halifax webcam site, there she was, south of McNabs Island. A quick trip down to Point Pleasant Park and a jog through the closed parking lot, and there she was. Her paint still peeling and faded as it was the last time I had seen her in Bridgwater. Streaks of rust still ran down her sides where her hull number used to be. Then, I saw it... From her stern mast flew the Canadian ensign. For a moment the tugs disappeared, and this proud Cold War warrior was steaming into Halifax as I had seen her do so many times before.
Going back to the article in the ‘Herald when I returned home, I read the comments from the ‘people’. Most of them were derogatory about how glad they were that this ‘eyesore’ was finally gone from Bridgewater, or from the ‘people’ in Dartmouth asking why do we get this ‘POS’? In her warrior’s heart, Fraser must be smiling. Here was proof that she and the men and women who crewed her had done their job well. The right of Canadians to publicly proclaim anything, no matter how unbelievably stupid, exists in this great country today. If only they realized that it partially exists because of this rusty, old warrior, who came home tonight. Bravo Zulu Fraser and those who sailed in her.

My Library Thing

2009-06-13T13:59:00.000-03:00

Onondaga Museum Opens!

2009-06-13T13:23:00.005-03:00

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

2009-05-21T22:00:00.005-03:00

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 site for details

Dwayne Hill Brings HMCS Rainbow Back To Life!

2009-05-02T10:57:00.005-03:00

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

2009-04-10T22:30:00.006-03:00

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!

2008-12-07T09:31:00.002-04:00

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

2008-11-12T22:50:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-11T11:50:00.006-03:00

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 here! 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!

2008-09-07T14:26:00.000-03:00

An Important Message We Must Never Forget

2008-09-04T22:44:00.001-03:00

Onondaga Not Going Without A Fight!

2008-09-01T08:21:00.002-03:00

Dawn was fast approaching and Onondaga knew that the time had come to make good her escape. Having been hauled from the water, she’d been left embarrassingly exposed when the tides had changed and the humans had stopped pulling her out.

Later that night, with only a few snoring seagulls to keep her company, she pondered the situation.

‘I’ll show them!’

After contemplating her devious escape plan through the dark night, she was ready. Freedom was just a few feet away and gathering all her strength, she heaved herself up and…oops.

‘Damn!’ she muttered. ‘Now the humans are really going to be upset with me!’

I thought a little levity might be needed. Onondaga is obviously a stubborn lady. I’m sure she will be successfully moved in the future.

Here is the CBC version of the story with an addition Moe Allard:
The operation to pull submarine Onondaga out of the water at Father's Point historic maritime site has failed. The boat keeled on the bank around 6 AM Sunday morning. Fortunately, the submarine listed softly on sand and it doesn't seem to be damaged. Since Saturday, the promoters were taking advantage of the high tides during the night to haul the submarine on its permanent base alongside the Father's Point wharf.. The had succeeded in hauling the submarine of 1400 tons half-way out of the water.Serge Guay, the Director General of Site historique maritime de Pointe-au-Père was stunned. The entire operation will restart from scratch later on this fall. After being refloated, the submarine will be towed back to the Rimouski wharf and will wait there for another attempt during the high tide of October 16. If the weather prevents it, it will be next year before a new attempt can be made to haul the submarine out of the water. Under this scenario, the official opening of the submarine museum could be delayed.

Additional info from Moe Allard:With the12.8 ft tide this afternoon the boat floated about 6 inches. Tonight at 03h46 we have a 14.1 ft tide. This should give us a better indication of the floatability, and the boat might upright itself. All is up to the tides and winds. After this our next workable tides are in mid September when to boat will be returned to dockside in Rimouski. The Ramp will be repaired and the next attempt to haul the boat out of the water will be on October 16th with 15 ft tides. If that fails we must wait until Spring. There does not seem to be any damage to the boat but it has a 30 degree list to starboard.Moe

ONONDAGA HOME AT LAST!

2008-08-30T07:12:00.002-03:00

Finally, after the efforts of a dedicated group of former submariners and the Site Historique Maritime de la Pointe-au-Père Museum in Rimouski, Quebec, the former HMCS Onondaga is out of the water and on its way to becoming Canada's only submarine museum. The saving of this proud veteran of the cold war has come with a lot of work and the help of many who dedicated time and money to the project.
Visit their website at http://www.shmp.qc.ca/html/home.htm and especially the webcam on the French version of the site to view the ongoing work live.
Again, a hearty well done to the people who have made this possible. It is so vitally important to keep our Canadian history alive and more so that of the men and women who gave so much for this great country.

HMCS Chicoutimi Fire Produced a Deadly 'Soup' of Toxins...and Heroes

2008-06-20T19:24:00.005-03:00

Thank you.

Can you imaging what it must have been like for the firefighters working the forest fire in the Halifax Regional Municipality last weekend? Smoke; heavy brush; always the danger of the wind shifting the fire towards them...

No? Me either.

Can you imagine what a firefighter goes through battling a house fire? The possibility of a wall or floor collapsing, the dense smoke, little ventilation and few avenues of escape...

No? Me either.

Now, try to imagine, fighting a fire aboard a submarine in smoke so thick you cannot see anything. You feel your way around, trying to locate a breathing mask, because unlike the previous two scenarios, you did not go to this fire prepared to fight it. It came at you - with no warning.

In the brush or forest, you might try to escape the flames by running if the wind changes direction, or perhaps call in a water drop over your position.

In the house, you might manage to escape through a window or door to safety.

Inside the dark, cramped confines of a submarine however, you have no choice but to fight the fire where you stand. There is nowhere to run. No windows or doors to escape through. Anyone who has been through a submarine realizes how difficult it can be to move around in normal circumstances let alone when there is no light, no air and no escape.
You desperately try to remain calm because that is what you have been trained to do during countless fire drills. Finally, you find a mask and take a few gulps of clean air which slowly clears your head. You don’t have time to consider what you might have already inhaled. You and your crewmates turn to and begin to fight the fire. In this scenario you MUST win or you will surely die.
Now imagine you are fighting the fire, slowly moving towards it, making headway. Crouched as low as you can while still moving forward...then you feel it…something at your feet…something soft...

Wait.

Stop right there, because like me, you have probably never been in that situation and there is no way you or I can begin to imagine what that particular hell would be to experience. To those who have, I thank you. Thank you for the sacrifice, the bravery and the pain. Your service in the Armed Forces make my country a safe place where I can sit and write this note of respect and gratitude and post it without fear, where others may read it.

You ask so little in return…and we in turn offer so little to you.

To the family of one submariner who paid the ultimate price, my thanks and prayers go out to you in the hope that you may know his sacrifice was not it vain then and is not in vain now. We remember him…and his shipmates, who faced hell that day aboard HMCS Chicoutimi.

Thank you.

General Rick Hillier, CDS, Presents Unit Commendation to HMCS Corner Brook Crew

2008-05-24T17:56:00.003-03:00

Recognition for a job well done has always proven to be a great motivator. When it comes from the highest level of management, the effects are immediate and lingering. Thus was the case this past week when General Rick Hillier, CDS presented the Armed Forces Unit Commendation to the crew of HMCS Corner Brook. Surely this is a perfect example of the comradeship, loyalty and perseverance Canada’s submariners have displayed in the face of seemingly endless negativity directed towards them, mostly by the media. Again and again they have shown the capabilities of their boat; and again and again, the media in general refuses to acknowledge them.
Perhaps that is their lot in life. Submariners know all of their exploits cannot be made public. Surely however, intelligent people will realize that what we hear is only a small fraction of their total accomplishments and that Unit Commendations are not handed our freely. The local media of course, gave short shrift to the event. How odd. It is their freedom which would be the first to disappear were it not for the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

To the crew of HMCS Corner Brook, congratulations! To General Rick Hillier, CDS, God bless you, and may you be half an hour in heaven, before the devil knows you’re dead!

(Oh, and that General, in spite of your apparent running slow problem, as stated at the end of your bio on the National Defence web site)

New Ships, Late Helos & HMCS Onondaga!

2008-05-17T13:54:00.001-03:00

What a month so far!

Prime Minister Stephen Harper came to Halifax with an announcement of new spending for the navy, including the purchase of fifteen new warships. Stephen Maher, one of the Chronicle Herald’s columnists, belittled the announcements, suggesting since Harper would not likely be in power by the time some of these plans came about, they would not happen. Way to think positive Mr. Maher. Of course, he may be assuming that the Liberals might be in power at that time and based on the history of Liberal support for Canada’s military, we all know how that would play out.

Unfortunately this month also brought news of push backs to the navy's Cyclone helicopter delivery date. More powerful engines and the possibility of an additional rotor blade being the main culprits according to Sikorsky. Defence Minister Peter MacKay is not letting them off the hook however, and he will no doubt be hounding them night and day to bring the new birds into Shearwater ASAP. It looks like the Sea Kings will be a familiar site in the sky for a little longer yet. Shame on you Jean Cretien! Your bad!

In terrific news, there is now a date of arrival for HMCS Onondaga’s arrival to its new home port at the Pointe-au-Pere Maritime Historic Site, near Rimouski, PQ. On August 3rd, 2008 Canada will have its first submarine museum hosting an actual submarine. For anyone interested in helping out the museum financially with this very important venture, please visit their website by clicking on the museum name above and making a generous donation.

Someone Give Marilla A Copy Of Jane's!

2008-03-10T12:03:00.002-03:00

Wow! First we had Bill Casey frothing at the mouth over decisions pertaining to the Canadian submarines and now, not about to be outdone, Marilla Stephenson weighs in on the debate over submarine maintenance. Good for Marilla! It must take a great deal of courage for a columnist to tackle a subject they know nothing about and scribble a few hundred words proving the fact to everyone. Someone hand her a copy of Jane’s Fighting Ships so she can at least see what a submarine looks like.

This time I will not even attempt to comment for someone using the handle Cansub has done so much more eloquently than I could have managed. Here are their comments as posted on http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Columnists and that sound at the conclusion of them, is my hearty ‘Hear Hear!’

Cansub wrote:

Marla, You did not read the commentaries to Mr Lambie's story yesterday. If you had, you would not have had a story today. Firstly - The contract is to refit the submarines. This is done once every 8 years of a submarines’ life. Maintenance is done at the Fleet Maintenance Facilities at the dockyards. Currently, because there was no contract in place to refit the VICTORIA or WINDSOR, the Fleet Maintenance Facilities have undertook this large endeavour, which they are not designed for. Of note, the Oberon Class submarines were refitted under contract to industry. It went to the best bid. The Navy has chosen to go with one contractor for the life of the submarines, to provide continuity, support, reduced bureaucracy and overall costs. Secondly - VICTORIA is already on the West Coast. One of the remaining submarines will join it there to even out the fleet (as was the intent all along). So now we will have 2 on each coast. Why does it make sense to give the contract to the East Coast over the West? The only way to do this is to put the contract to tender. It was and the West Coast won it. Irving is upset and now the courts will decide if they have a case, not the Navy or the Government of Canada. Thirdly - You seem to be an expert on what submariners do at sea while on patrol or transiting. Funny, I have never seen you out there... In the case of transiting to the West coast, a submarine will conduct numerous exercises with various navies enroute. It will be planned this way to maximize the time out. New submariners will be qualified to increase the dwindling numbers of the brethren and valuable operational experience will be gained by all. Time is NEVER wasted at sea on a submarine. Lastly - I hope that this clarifies your article and that you amend it. Be a proponent for the men and women of the Canadian Submarine Service. All submariners risk their lives every time they dive. They deserve better than misinformation from the media.

MP Claims Trips Too Costly!

2008-03-04T20:20:00.003-04:00

Hey Bill Casey, that's not a problem. They won't be making that trip for very long. What the rest of the world knows, or at least those who follow current events, is that Canada, like it's neighbour to the south, will have to move most of its submarines to Pacific ports before long. Long gone are the days when Soviet boomers sat off our coast waiting to be hunted down by NATO submarines.
No, the threat today is from some of the Pacific rim countries, not all of them stable, who have been buying up modern SSK’s as though they were a Blue Light Special at K-Mart. China has already managed to slip far too close to a US Navy battle group – sad…one of our new Victoria’s should have beaten them to it.
Of course HMCS Corner Brook showed it’s stuff against a Royal Navy carrier, but it’s just not the same. The Brits don’t go around saying to anyone who will listen how no one or nothing will ever get near their flat tops. The guys who used to sail in the old ‘O boats’ would beg to differ of course but that’s another story.
So rest assured Mr. Casey, everything is okay. The government made a prudent move and as much as it irks the boys over at JDI’s offices, it only makes sense to have the maintenance done on the west coast where the action is. Hey, wait until the navy has to start basing most of its surface force on the sunny coast. I feel for those guys...daffodils in February? You're kidding me, right?
Questions anyone? If there are, please visit www.thesubreport.com where you can catch up on all the submarine news and gossip. You won’t be there long before you note the migration taking place to the south as our neighbour moves most of his boats to west coast bases.
As an east coaster, I’ll be the first to miss seeing the boats sail in and out of Halifax, but as a Canadian, I’d want the best for those boys sailing them.

Victorias Ready Within 18 Months

2008-02-16T14:14:00.003-04:00

I had to do a double take while reading my Chronicle Herald this morning when I saw what at first glance seemed to be a positive article regarding the Canadian submarines. Reading it carefully, I awaited the usual negativity which surely would appear, but alas, it was good news from top to bottom! Perhaps the recent demise of Halifax’s ‘other’ Daily Newspaper shocked the people at the Herald into thinking positively about life and stories. Albeit a shorter version than that run in the Globe & Mail – again, shame on them! A Halifax paper skimping on navy stories!

Vice-Admiral Drew Robertson is quoted as saying HMCS Corner Brook, HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor will be fully operational by then but HMCS Chicoutimi will not begin repairs for a couple more years. The article goes on to mention HMCS Corner Brook’s current foray down the east coast where she will be conducting manoeuvres which at this time of course are unknown. After her very successful visit to European waters, you can bet her crew are anxious to add a nice ‘scope shot of a US carrier to their collection.

The article mentions that Defence Minister Peter MacKay is very supportive of completing the work on the submarines which is not surprising. By now he would have been briefed on the boat’s capabilities and being an intelligent man, will appreciate the powerful addition they are to Canada’s navy.

See the full story compliments of the Globe & Mail here.

2008 Brings Activity in Canadian Submarine World

2008-01-12T19:19:00.000-04:00

2008 is hardly dry and there has been a lot of activity in the Canadian submarine community. At the forefront of course is the ongoing battle over the upgrade contract awarded to Canadian Submarine Management Group, a consortium in British Columbia being legally contested by the Irving/BAE consortium on the east coast.
Irving is crying foul over a technicality in the awarding of the contract, but the Canadian Conservative government, in what has to be this years best example of common sense so far, has said sorry, the contract is awarded and we are not going to have our sailors wait another three years for their submarines while the courts have an episode of 'he said' - 'she said'. Good for Prime Minister Harper!
The argument by the east coast group that three of the boats are based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, so why should they have to sail to British Columbia on the west coast for upgrades does not hold water. What are they suggesting? That is too far for the boats to sail? Give it a rest Irving. You lost! No one likes a sore loser.
In a related development in the pages of today's Chronicle Herald, military correspondent Chris Lambie reported that the 'pizza pan sized dent' in HMCS Victoria's hull is now repaired and a new device developed by engineers called a 'Sub Mouse' will be used to test the integrity of the repair as well as the circularity of the boat's hull - a crucial aspect to its ability to withstand increased water pressure at depth.
The future is indeed looking bright for Canada's submariners and good for the federal government for not resting on its laurels as it continues to look at future replacements of the Victoria class SSKs.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2007-12-21T23:51:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. At this time of year when we try to think of peace and good will, let us not forget those who are out there protecting that peace and wish them good will and god speed.

It is so easy to take all we have for granted. Rich and poor, we all enjoy the blessing of living in a peaceful society that although not perfect, is still the best in the world. This peace did not come cheaply. Nor will the dept ever be paid. There will always be a need for men and women willing to sacrifice much and in some cases, everything, that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms we have.

To them I say a woefully inadequate thank you.

Submarines To Be Replaced?

2007-11-08T20:56:00.001-04:00

It is being widely reported that the Canadian government is examining its options regarding the Victoria class submarines. On the table is scrapping, modifying or replacing the four boats.
Scrapping them would certainly be a huge mistake. No matter what the choice, the Canadian navy cannot risk being without operating submarines and lose the ability for its submariners to train and sharpen their skills.
Replacing, while a nice thought is impracticable at this time. The Canadian army operating in Afghanistan is draining most of the defence budget, as it should. It is imperative that our men and women in harm’s way be provided with the very best equipment available and the government has shown that it is prepared to follow through on its promise to better equip them.
So it comes down to modifying the current boats, which obviously means some form of AIP systems to allow them access below the Arctic ice shelf. Whether or not that is practical or even possible, time will tell. In the meantime, the Canadian navy possesses a quartet of modern, deadly submarines which can be brought to operational standards with a fairly modest budget expenditure.
Anyone who thinks new is better should study the Australian experience with their new Collins class SSKs. They passed on the Upholders and decided new was better making that decision long before Canada decided to acquire the four submarines.
One would expect that those Aussie boats must be well broken in by now – guess again.
The Victoria’s have been through their teething pains and have come through no better or worse than most new naval weapons systems.
Now that the crew of HMCS Corner Brook has shown the world what these boats are capable of, let us hope cool heads prevail in any decisions regarding their future.

Oh no! It's a nuke!

2007-10-04T16:37:00.001-03:00

Ah, yes, the arrival in Halifax harbour of the 688 class attack submarine USS Springfield brought out the usual gang of misfits who are no doubt having sleepless nights over their concerns of a nuclear disaster befalling upon us all.

Sayeth one protestor, "There’s risks to the citizens of Halifax, there’s risks to the navy personnel and it’s expensive. We shouldn’t be spending our precious tax dollars on welcoming effectively nuclear weapons from other countries into our harbour. We shouldn’t be part of this."

Hmm, I'm not sure what that means but that part about the expense is off base. The pier at Shearwater is there regardless of whether a submarine is present or not and I'm pretty certain that the crew of Springfield will deposit more than a few dollars into the Halifax economy.

But Ms. Lorincz scoffed at the idea of emergency personnel surviving a massive nuclear accident.
"They’re just as wiped out as everybody else is," she said. "It’s a joke."

Of course she may have been talking of the submarine's crew after a well deserved visit to The Dome, one of Halifax's more interesting tourist attractions.

Seeing how many horrific nuclear accidents have taken place when visiting nuclear powered warships have instantaneously exploded, I can certainly understand her fear.

I comfort myself by simply smiling and remembering that the freedoms protected by the crew of the USS Springfield and every other submariner, include the freedom to have far too much time on your hands and the freedom to convince the media to actually print what you say, no matter how ridiculous it is.

Library Thing

2007-09-30T20:14:00.000-03:00

Broken British Boat

2007-09-29T16:12:00.000-03:00

News this week of the problems with HMS Astute probably didn't surprise anyone in the submarine world. The highly sophisticated boat was bound to have a few teething pains before becoming fully operational. One wonders if there will be an outcry regarding the submarine's construction and value, by those expecting the thing to slide into the water and exhibit a flawless performance. In Canada, every scratch or dropped tile of the navy's submarines is commented upon in a negative fashion.

Heck, our brand new Hyundai has a pesky rattle that the dealership will no doubt have a fun time trying to locate and it has less parts then some of Astute’s systems :).

Having written that, here is an interesting quote from Marine Link.com;
'KOFAC campaigners are fighting for more Astute submarine orders for the BARROW shipyard; campaigners say academic requirements for apprentices are too strict.'

Ahh, now there's a comment that'll warm the hearts of the men who have to dive beneath the waves in those boats.

Makes me respect even more the men who wear dolphins.

Ice Breakers Are Not Destroyers

2007-09-14T21:12:00.000-03:00

Well, hot on the heels of the recent submarine love-fest, Canada's news media has managed to quickly retreat to its 'Here's what we found wrong with the military this week' stance. The latest warning to all who will listen, refers to the future Canadian navy ice breakers not being equipped with sonar with which to destroy the next foreign submarine that dares prowl our waters and drop flags and old garbage on our territory.
No! Say it isn't so!
The ice breakers will not have sonar? So, does that mean there is little likelihood of them being armed with anti submarine torpedoes? What about depth charges? Surely there must be a few dozen of those laying around in some corner of the Magazine in Dartmouth (Note to media types - this 'magazine' does not refer to the ones in your mailbox every month that arrive wrapped in a plain brown wrapper).
Well, being the intrepid individual I am, I decided that there might just be other things that the media managed to overlook and boy, did I find some doozies!
Get this. Not only do the Canadian air force CF-18's not have a business class, but even AFTER the upcoming modernization, they STILL will not have a business class section! And they say the air force has the 'cushy' job.
And what about the army's newly acquired Leopard tanks? That's right. No cruise control. One shudders to think about the speeding tickets those poor guys with heavy feet will be getting. I can hear it now;
"But honestly officer. I thought I WAS going the speed limit!" Then with a sad, hung dog look, the grunt will look up and embarrassingly announce, "It don't have cruise control."
Of course he'll be let off with a warning by the sympathetic officer who will go home and no doubt share the sad story with his wife after which they'll pledge to start a web site for Army Relief.

Thank goodness the media is out there to bring these shortcomings to our attention and motivate us to search out even more dastardly short comings in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Icebreakers with no sonar. How embarrassing for Canada. Surely we are the only nation on the planet who didn't have the foresight to realize that icebreakers crashing through pack ice are the perfect platform for submarine hunting.

Go ahead Mr.Putin! Your boats are going to be safe in our Arctic waters for a long time! Bring on your flags!

Canadian Submarines Too Quiet

2007-09-08T13:25:00.000-03:00

Well, at least the Canadian Navy can lay claim to possessing quiet submarines and until recently an even quieter public relations program regarding the boats. A blog posted recently on The Sub Report teased about a NATO country to be named later and its submarine exploits and then threw down the 'silent service' gauntlet, explaining that nothing further would be offered because of the need for security regarding the submarine's exploits.
Right! And also Wrong!
Canada is a perfect example of what can happen when the military public relations arm remains too tight-lipped. Since the submarines arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, very little news was released by the navy and the press being the press didn't dig deep enough to uncover what might have been taking place.
Oh there was always plenty of news regarding the boats. Most of it bad. A few positive articles slipped through now and then - notably one regarding a training exercise with Canadian Pathfinders parachuting alongside HMCS Windsor in St Margarets Bay just outside of Halifax.
Absent were the stories of old from the days when Canada's Oberon’s sailed the blue. Everything from water skiing behind one of the subs to terrorizing illegal fishing trawler captains made for fun, colourful reading.
Finally a reporter from Alberta, one of our most landlocked provinces took the time last month to dig out the facts and found that glory be, the new submarines hadn't just sailed over to Halifax and been immediately dry docked!
The navy public relations arm has obviously realized that people (taxpayers) need to know that their money is getting a good return and it appears, especially after the recent successful cruise by HMCS Corner Brook, that these 'old, used boats' as the local press loves to refer to them as, might have been a bargain after all.
Good for the navy! And good for Canada for taking advantage of this deal in the first place when so many nay sayers seemed to be the only voices we heard.
Aye, nothing like a fat carrier in a periscope photo to remind people who really controls the seas.

Chronicle Herald Fails to Disappoint

2007-08-31T21:05:00.000-03:00

In today's Halifax Chronicle Herald, a segment of the Canadian Press story by Tara Brautigam written about her experience aboard HMCS Corner Brook finally appeared. To no one's surprise, it is probably the most negative portion of the story, describing the small quarters, a not exactly stellar fire drill, a crew member injuring his head and of course, the story of past leaks. It appears that Tara's article in whole is a well balanced story, but leave it to the Chronicle Herald to print the down side portion of it. Of course, being based in the same city as the submarine itself , one would have perhaps dared hope for a companion story about the submarine, maybe even covering some of the positive aspects of Corner Brook's history, maybe even cheering on the home team. But alas, this paper which seems unwilling or unable to say anything positive about the submarines, continued along it's usual course.
Maybe if the paper gave as much press to the Canadian navy, a HUGE part of Halifax and Nova Scotia's history as they do to a certain writer who is clearly obsessed with tearing down the army and especially its leadership, the average citizen in Halifax wouldn't be wondering what on earth we're doing playing with these submarines in the first place.

Halifax Daily News Posts Positive Point!

2007-08-29T20:49:00.000-03:00

Congratualtion to The Halifax Daily News for stepping up and printing a positive article about the recent exploits of our Canadian submariners! In a great article by Tara Brautigam of the Canadian Press, we learn that the Canadian navy, is indeed working to promote the usefulness of their newly acquired submarines. Thank you Tara for a well written and fairly balanced article and for digging past the usual nay sayers and going direct to the horses mouth so to speak.
Lt.-Cmdr. Christopher Robinson sets the record straight by pointing out that these boats are extremely complex vessels and if I may dare make an analogy - remember back to that last new car you purchased and all the bugs that had to be ironed out before you were happy with it? Well multiply the complexity of your new car by a few thousand, and you have the Victoria class submarine. Get the picture?
Again, props to The Halifax Daily News for stepping up and saying hey, these are OUR boys!

See the article here http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=57383&sc=89

Media Discovers Submarines!

2007-08-27T20:46:00.001-03:00

Who would have thought that of all places within this great country of ours, the first truly positive article regarding the Windsor class SSK's would come from Edmonton, Alberta - as far away as you can get from the waters patrolled by Canadian submarines.
Surely, the local Halifax papers; The Halifax Daily News and The Chronicle Herald did publish a couple of pretty nice stories recently about HMCS Corner Brook's recent foray up north. But had either of those paper's reporters spent some extra time digging a little deeper, they would have uncovered the success story behind the new submarines.
After years of making sure we were immediately informed whenever anything leaked or someone stubbed a toe aboard the boats, usually quoting some disenchanted, ex-navy type, the papers that SHOULD have been trying to raise the moral of the Canadian navy, managed to finally print something in a positive vein, always adding the inevitable 'only operational submarine' to Corner Brook's name as though it had been part of her christening - perhaps because of some misguided disappointment that all four boats did not arrive in Halifax fully operational.A big thank you to Bob Bergen however, freelance writer for The Edmonton Post for taking to task the role of reporter and getting to the heart of the story behind what the submarine crews have been up to as of late. Granted, no navy makes a habit of promoting what their 'Silent Service' is up to, most times not even after the fact. Some might say that perhaps the Canadian navy, certainly aware of the bad press its submarines and submariners were being buried under, should have let something 'leak' to the press, but then again, most would agree the navy did the right thing.
No navy in the world would respect another which regularly publicized the deeds performed by its submarine arm.
So for now, a tiny glimpse has been had at the silent, secret world of the Canadian submariner. Read the article, cherish the rare privilege, and the next time you happen to notice a sailor wearing the insignia of dolphins on either side of a red maple leaf, thank him. For his lot is not one of glory or fame...only silence. But that's okay. He'd have it no other way.

See the article here http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/opinion/story.html?id=26f421f7-f0e1-458e-ba5a-aaba4af31d2a

Unheard, Unseen...

2007-08-26T18:58:00.000-03:00

Welcome to my blog!

I hope you find it informative, opinionated and in some small way, interesting.

For information regarding this intrusion to the Internet, visit

http://www.unheardunseen.com/