Jan. 8, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release # 004-07
HMCS Ottawa Conducts Interaction Patrols in South Arabian Gulf
HMCS OTTAWA, At Sea -- Throughout the month of December the Canadian patrol frigate HMCS Ottawa conducted interaction patrols (IPATS) in the South Arabian Gulf. IPATS are an element of Maritime Security Operations (MSO), which help generate support and awareness amongst commercial vessels sailing in the region of the coalition’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.
Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.
“We alert them [commercial vessels] to our presence,” explained Canadian navy Lt. Simon Nadeau, Ottawa’s boarding officer, adding that, “it’s important that they know we understand the complexity of the situation and are here to help.”
During a recent IPAT to a fishing dhow, two members of Ottawa’s boarding party, Leading Seaman Jules Charbonneau and Leading Seaman Richard Blanchard, helped the dhow’s crew catch some fairly big fish. Despite language differences, the sight of grinning Canadian sailors standing alongside equally bemused Indian fisherman sharing their bounty symbolically reflected the gains that the coalition has made here.
According to Nadeau, the dividends from such an informal and non-confrontational stance are substantial. Nadeau said fishermen are more amenable to working with and supporting the coalition when they have first-hand positive experiences. Most importantly, he said, they are also more willing to talk to members of the boarding party and share their experiences in the region. “Such relationships with regional fishermen are invaluable and assist command staff in gaining greater knowledge about who is operating in the area and what they are doing,” Nadeau said.
On another occasion, Ottawa encountered a dhow that was experiencing engineering trouble. “We always ask the dhow’s master and crew if everything is alright, and in this instance, they told us about a problem they were having with their battery,” explained Nadeau. “We sent over a technician who was able to diagnose the problem, provide them the information they needed to get it fixed when they returned to port, as well gave the dhow’s crew a weather forecast.”
While such encounters may seem inconsequential in isolation, together they contribute to the overall maritime security picture.
HMCS Ottawa is on a six-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command’s area of maritime operations and is part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150. Since its inception, CTF 150 has been commanded by France, the Netherlands, Germany, Pakistan, and is currently commanded by UK Royal Navy Commodore Bruce Williams.
This deployment demonstrates Canada’s ongoing contribution and commitment to its coalition allies in the campaign against terrorism and proves the relevance of the navy in the new security environment.
