Stand By for Navy Appreciation Day 2012!

[The Bread Guy]

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today in advance of Navy Appreciation Day 2012 to be marked on Tuesday, October 30. The event, organized by the Navy League of Canada, is intended to publicly recognize the work performed by Canada’s naval personnel every day at home and abroad:

“As the Minister of National Defence, I wish to thank the Navy League of Canada for organizing an event recognizing the outstanding work accomplished by our Canadian naval personnel. This is an important recognition coming from an organization that has always been a strong advocate of the importance of the sea for Canadians, and always taken pride in the accomplishments of our Navy and its personnel. Each and every year the Navy League’s contribution in informing and educating the public on maritime affairs is most noteworthy, particularly in sponsoring the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, one of Canada’s finest youth organizations.

“Today, the world’s oceans are crucial to the global economy. Bordering on three separate oceans, Canada’s security and prosperity depend on its ability to both defend and freely access the sea.  Our government is deeply committed to providing maritime security both at home and abroad, protecting our three sovereign ocean approaches and defending Canada’s national interests abroad. In announcing the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy in 2010, our government has taken steps to support the Canadian marine and defence industries, to revitalize Canadian shipyards and to build ships for the Royal Canadian Navy here in Canada.

“While having the best equipment available is important to the mission, even more important are the men and women of the Navy who through their dedication and professionalism ensure our success for Canada. It is therefore gratifying when an organization such as the Navy League of Canada formally recognizes the contribution of outstanding members of the Royal Canadian Navy as part of Navy Appreciation Day.

“I take this opportunity to thank the Navy League of Canada for its leadership efforts in promoting maritime affairs across Canada, and for the support and appreciation given to the men and women serving in the Royal Canadian Navy.”

DND Info-machine, 25 Oct 12

 

[jollyjacktar]

And yet, the memo from the PM to MND to cut deeper.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-letter-to-mackay-your-defence-budget-cuts-arent-deep-enough/article4651375/

 

[The Bread Guy]

And yet, the memo from the PM to MND to cut deeper.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-letter-to-mackay-your-defence-budget-cuts-arent-deep-enough/article4651375/

So young to be so cynical .....

 

[daftandbarmy]

Why did they pick Halloween instead of Trafalgar Day?  ;D

 

[cupper]

They could combine it with various award ceremonies. Ship's Company assembles with pillow cases in hand and they go from one ship to another.

Trick or Treat ;D

 

[jollyjacktar]

So young to be so cynical .....

Ha! My wife tells me I was born middle aged. 

 

[daftandbarmy]

It already seems there is a sizeable community celebrating sailors in Halifax at the Maritime Museum:


http://museum.gov.ns.ca/mmanew/en/home/whattoseedo/hellosailor.aspx

Dang... the smiley I want to use is X-rated  ;D

 

[dapaterson]

To celebrate the the Navy, on Tuesday I will drink rum.













I will, however, forego the other two traditions...

 

[cupper]

I will, however, forego the other two traditions...

Won't that take all the fun out of it?  ;D

 

[cupper]

On a more somber note If I may be allowed.

A salute to the members who served on HMCS Kootenay on 23 October 1969 who responded to danger in the manner expected of all Canadian Sailors; ability and professionalism of the highest level. And to also honour the memories of the 9 crew members that lost their lives.

Bravo Zulu. 

 

[jollyjacktar]

On a more somber note If I may be allowed.

A salute to the members who served on HMCS Kootenay on 23 October 1969 who responded to danger in the manner expected of all Canadian Sailors; ability and professionalism of the highest level. And to also honour the memories of the 9 crew members that lost their lives.

Bravo Zulu. 

Bravo, well said.    (It's time for a poppy smiley again.)

 

[cupper]

Bravo, well said.    (It's time for a poppy smiley again.)

Thanks. I have a personal stake, as my father was aboard the Kootenay that day.

Puts a lot of things into perspective when the difference between growing up with a father and being an orphan was 5 minutes and a cup of coffee.

 

[aesop081]

And yet, the memo from the PM to MND to cut deeper.  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-letter-to-mackay-your-defence-budget-cuts-arent-deep-enough/article4651375/

Read past the headline.

did not cut deep enough on the administrative side of National Defence.

“It is important that we reduce the current overhead in regular force military and civilian personnel, and in those activities that do not directly contribute to operational readiness,” he wrote.

Mr. Harper remains convinced the savings can be had in the bureaucracy

 

[daftandbarmy]

To celebrate the the Navy, on Tuesday I will drink rum.













I will, however, forego the other two traditions...

I think I've just heard half the population of downtown Toronto breathe a sigh of relief  ;D

 

[Pat in Halifax]

Maybe next time after a storm, Toronto's Mayor should call in the Navy instead of the Army!!! We could bring Along the 'Navy Bus'! Do you guys really think we use it for Recruiting!!!

 

[jollyjacktar]

Read past the headline.

I did.  Cuts are still cuts.

 

[aesop081]

I did.  Cuts are still cuts.

So what ?

DND is bloated in the overhead and admin realms. No need to demonize the PM for insisting the situation be rectified.

 

[jollyjacktar]

So what ?

DND is bloated in the overhead and admin realms. No need to demonize the PM for insisting the situation be rectified.

So, we both lived through the 90's and the cuts.  I believe it's going to come to that again.  Cuts are like potato chips, you can't eat just one. 

As for demonizing, I was just pointing out the irony of the pat on the back at the same time as the hand in the pocket.  Sorry I didn't use the sarcasm face...

 

[aesop081]

I was just pointing out the irony of the pat on the back at the same time as the hand in the pocket. 

If the pocket is the BS that goes on in 101, i'm all for it.

The PM wants the CF to stop spending money on BS. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Agreed.  I have no quibble about cutting the junk food out of the diet.