PUBLICATION: The Toronto Sun
DATE: 2008.08.01
EDITION: Final
SECTION: Editorial/Opinion
PAGE: 20
BYLINE: THOMAS ADAMS, GUEST COLUMNIST
Why we need the navy
________________________________________
Canada certainly requires a navy to defend the world's longest coastline. But there is another reason as well: Helping ensure a stable maritime environment abroad helps guarantee the continued prosperity and safety of Canadians at home.
From June until September, Canada is leading Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) as part of our naval contribution to the U.S.-led war on terrorism.
Commodore Robert A. Davidson is commanding CTF 150 aboard the destroyer HMCS Iroquois. HMCS Calgary, a Halifax class frigate, and HMCS Protecteur, a supply ship, will also be in theatre.
Established in October, 2001 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, CTF 150 is a multinational naval task group typically composed of naval contingents from Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Pakistan.
Its purpose is to conduct maritime security operations in the northern Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden.
As the naval leg of the global coalition to fight terrorism, CTF 150 endeavours to deny terrorists use of the sea.
This is achieved through the interdiction and boarding of suspected vessels and seizure of prohibited cargoes, such as weapons and drugs, that can harm us directly or serve as a source of terrorist funding.
During Canada's last deployment to CTF 150, HMCS Charlottetown seized 2,000 cases of alcohol and over six tonnes of drugs destined for illicit use.
By fighting terrorists abroad and denying them their sources of income, our men and women at sea help to ensure that terrorists are unable to harm Canada and its allies at home.
CTF 150's maritime security operations also set conditions for the legitimate use of the sea.
STRATEGIC CHOKEPOINTS
The Red Sea, and the Gulfs of Oman and Aden represent vital strategic chokepoints: 30% of the world's oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
This naval force serves to deter any attempts at blockading such critical chokepoints and can also be used to counter any attempted blockade, should deterrence fail.
CTF 150 also has the ability to provide assistance to those in need.
In June, a CH-124 Sea King helicopter on HMCS Calgary was dispatched to assist a commercial vessel under attack by pirates near Somalia.
A boarding party from HMCS Protecteur helped bring a boat in distress back to port and provided its crew of 15 seamen with food, water, and medical aid.
Other allied vessels have conducted similar operations.
The deployment of three of our vessels to lead CTF 150 signals Canada's continuing commitment to fighting the war on terrorism, providing a safe environment within which sea-based commerce and trade can flourish, and making available aid and relief when needed.
This will help ensure the safety and continued prosperity of Canada and its allies. Such efforts should be applauded and supported by all Canadians.
DATE: 2008.08.01
EDITION: Final
SECTION: Editorial/Opinion
PAGE: 20
BYLINE: THOMAS ADAMS, GUEST COLUMNIST
Why we need the navy
________________________________________
Canada certainly requires a navy to defend the world's longest coastline. But there is another reason as well: Helping ensure a stable maritime environment abroad helps guarantee the continued prosperity and safety of Canadians at home.
From June until September, Canada is leading Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) as part of our naval contribution to the U.S.-led war on terrorism.
Commodore Robert A. Davidson is commanding CTF 150 aboard the destroyer HMCS Iroquois. HMCS Calgary, a Halifax class frigate, and HMCS Protecteur, a supply ship, will also be in theatre.
Established in October, 2001 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, CTF 150 is a multinational naval task group typically composed of naval contingents from Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Pakistan.
Its purpose is to conduct maritime security operations in the northern Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden.
As the naval leg of the global coalition to fight terrorism, CTF 150 endeavours to deny terrorists use of the sea.
This is achieved through the interdiction and boarding of suspected vessels and seizure of prohibited cargoes, such as weapons and drugs, that can harm us directly or serve as a source of terrorist funding.
During Canada's last deployment to CTF 150, HMCS Charlottetown seized 2,000 cases of alcohol and over six tonnes of drugs destined for illicit use.
By fighting terrorists abroad and denying them their sources of income, our men and women at sea help to ensure that terrorists are unable to harm Canada and its allies at home.
CTF 150's maritime security operations also set conditions for the legitimate use of the sea.
STRATEGIC CHOKEPOINTS
The Red Sea, and the Gulfs of Oman and Aden represent vital strategic chokepoints: 30% of the world's oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
This naval force serves to deter any attempts at blockading such critical chokepoints and can also be used to counter any attempted blockade, should deterrence fail.
CTF 150 also has the ability to provide assistance to those in need.
In June, a CH-124 Sea King helicopter on HMCS Calgary was dispatched to assist a commercial vessel under attack by pirates near Somalia.
A boarding party from HMCS Protecteur helped bring a boat in distress back to port and provided its crew of 15 seamen with food, water, and medical aid.
Other allied vessels have conducted similar operations.
The deployment of three of our vessels to lead CTF 150 signals Canada's continuing commitment to fighting the war on terrorism, providing a safe environment within which sea-based commerce and trade can flourish, and making available aid and relief when needed.
This will help ensure the safety and continued prosperity of Canada and its allies. Such efforts should be applauded and supported by all Canadians.