Written by: Elizabeth Chiu, CBC News
Military police are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a sailor, by another sailor, on board HMCS Athabaskan, CBC News has learned.
The incident happened Nov. 10 and was reported that same day by the alleged victim, military police said Thursday. They also said the alleged attacker is a sailor.
The warship had been deployed since September and was on its way home to Halifax after participating in Trident Juncture, a NATO exercise off the coast of western Europe, when the sexual assault allegedly occurred.
HMCS Athabaskan deployed on Sept. 8 and returned to Halifax on Nov. 20, said the Royal Canadian Navy.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, a special unit of military police, is handling the file.
The investigation includes interviews with shipmates. Some 300 crew serve aboard the Athabaskan.
No charges have been laid.
A military police spokesperson says information about counselling has been provided to the complainant, but did not say if he has used the help.
The sexual assault allegation arises months after a scathing report by a former supreme court justice that called sexual misconduct in the military "endemic."
It also follows the military strategy Op Honour. Its mission is to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour within the Armed Forces.
Navy brass declined to be interviewed, and have not responded to a question about what's happening to the alleged attacker.
Showing posts with label JOINTEX-15. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JOINTEX-15. Show all posts
Friday, December 4, 2015
Friday, November 6, 2015
Canada concludes participation in largest NATO exercise since 2002
News Release from DND:
Canada concludes participation in largest NATO exercise since 2002
November 6, 2015
OTTAWA – Today, 1650 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen, and Special Operations Forces personnel, in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and at sea, completed the live exercise portion of JOINTEX 15.
JOINTEX is a biennial Canadian exercise and a keystone for Canadian Armed Forces posture and readiness activity aimed at enhancing operational mission preparedness. The live exercise (LIVEX) phase occurred between October 21 and November 6 in Western Europe. Activities leading up to the LIVEX included senior staff officer training during a Table Top Exercise in Ottawa, in January and February, and Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Headquarters staff training during a Command Post Exercise in Meaford, Ont., in September and October.
Quick Facts
For the LIVEX portion of JOINTEX 15 as part of NATO’s Trident Juncture 15, Canada has contributed a Canadian Multinational Task Force headquarters, a Canadian Army Brigade with multinational elements attached, four ships, one submarine, Canadian Special Forces elements and three CC-130 Hercules aircraft.
JOINTEX 15 provided an opportunity to create and exercise our ability to command Canadian and international forces in the most challenging international contingency operations, in a scale and scope rarely seen in recent history.
JOINTEX 15 demonstrated Canadian leadership and capability in headquarters, and in deployed formations, units, and elements which serve to strengthen Alliance integration and interoperability capabilities.
JOINTEX had four general objectives:
Practice, evaluate, and improve Canadian Armed Forces capacity and ability to command and conduct Joint Combined Integrated Forces in complex operations.
Practice, evaluate, and further develop national contingency plans.
Advance, integrate, and evaluate force development and joint force capability enhancements.
Develop, document, and institutionalize the Canadian Armed Forces Distributed Training and Simulation Capability.
The JOINTEX series serves to advance CAF mission preparedness by practicing Joint Combined and Integrated Expeditionary Full Spectrum Operations, developing concepts and procedures, and providing a focus for force development.
Canada concludes participation in largest NATO exercise since 2002
November 6, 2015
OTTAWA – Today, 1650 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen, and Special Operations Forces personnel, in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and at sea, completed the live exercise portion of JOINTEX 15.
JOINTEX is a biennial Canadian exercise and a keystone for Canadian Armed Forces posture and readiness activity aimed at enhancing operational mission preparedness. The live exercise (LIVEX) phase occurred between October 21 and November 6 in Western Europe. Activities leading up to the LIVEX included senior staff officer training during a Table Top Exercise in Ottawa, in January and February, and Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Headquarters staff training during a Command Post Exercise in Meaford, Ont., in September and October.
Quick Facts
For the LIVEX portion of JOINTEX 15 as part of NATO’s Trident Juncture 15, Canada has contributed a Canadian Multinational Task Force headquarters, a Canadian Army Brigade with multinational elements attached, four ships, one submarine, Canadian Special Forces elements and three CC-130 Hercules aircraft.
JOINTEX 15 provided an opportunity to create and exercise our ability to command Canadian and international forces in the most challenging international contingency operations, in a scale and scope rarely seen in recent history.
JOINTEX 15 demonstrated Canadian leadership and capability in headquarters, and in deployed formations, units, and elements which serve to strengthen Alliance integration and interoperability capabilities.
JOINTEX had four general objectives:
Practice, evaluate, and improve Canadian Armed Forces capacity and ability to command and conduct Joint Combined Integrated Forces in complex operations.
Practice, evaluate, and further develop national contingency plans.
Advance, integrate, and evaluate force development and joint force capability enhancements.
Develop, document, and institutionalize the Canadian Armed Forces Distributed Training and Simulation Capability.
The JOINTEX series serves to advance CAF mission preparedness by practicing Joint Combined and Integrated Expeditionary Full Spectrum Operations, developing concepts and procedures, and providing a focus for force development.
Quotes:
“The Canadian Armed Forces is considered to be one of the most responsive armed forces within the Alliance. As such, Canada has been a major contributor to NATO operations. Our participation in Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 is another example of our commitment to supporting NATO by providing modern, deployable capabilities to allied missions and highly trained personnel.” General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff
“I am proud of the contribution our sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen have made to this historic training event. Thanks to their efforts in developing our interoperability, they are improving the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to conduct successful joint and multinational operations in the future.” Lieutenant-General Steve Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“The Canadian Armed Forces is considered to be one of the most responsive armed forces within the Alliance. As such, Canada has been a major contributor to NATO operations. Our participation in Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 is another example of our commitment to supporting NATO by providing modern, deployable capabilities to allied missions and highly trained personnel.” General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff
“I am proud of the contribution our sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen have made to this historic training event. Thanks to their efforts in developing our interoperability, they are improving the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to conduct successful joint and multinational operations in the future.” Lieutenant-General Steve Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
Friday, October 16, 2015
RCN In Talks To Lease Spanish AOR in 2016
By David Pugliese and Esteban Villarejo of defensenews.com
Spain and Canada are negotiating a mutual logistic arrangement (MLSA) to deploy a Spanish replenishment ship with the Canadian fleet in the North Atlantic, both navies confirmed.
The ship deployed "during some periods of 2016" could be the auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship (AOR) Cantabria or Patiño, Spanish Navy sources said. The logistic arrangement is "to cover the Canadian navy's temporary need of logistic support vessels."
The Cantabria or Patiño would support training for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic fleet starting in January. "No end date for the use of that support ship has been established," said Royal Canadian Navy spokeswoman Lt. Linda Coleman. “Negotiations are still ongoing and the MLSA is not yet finalized.”
But starting on Oct. 18, Royal Canadian Navy sailors will be serving on the Spanish Navy supply ship Cantabria. Navy spokesman Lt. Len Hickey said 28 sailors will be on the ship to conduct training during NATO's TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 exercise. Hickey said the training is focused on replenishment-at-sea activities as well as familiarity of engineering systems on the ship. The Canadians will be on the ship until Nov. 10, Hickey said.
The Spanish AOR Cantabria deployed with the Royal Australian Navy in 2013. The government of Australia paid the expenses of that deployment during the year. The Spanish Ministry of Defense is expected to reach a similar arrangement with the Royal Canadian Navy.
This year Canada selected the German Navy's Berlin-class design to replace its two Protecteur-class supply ships, which have been removed from service.
The ship deployed "during some periods of 2016" could be the auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship (AOR) Cantabria or Patiño, Spanish Navy sources said. The logistic arrangement is "to cover the Canadian navy's temporary need of logistic support vessels."
 |
| The Spanih AOR Cantabria Photo: Spanish Navy |
The Cantabria or Patiño would support training for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic fleet starting in January. "No end date for the use of that support ship has been established," said Royal Canadian Navy spokeswoman Lt. Linda Coleman. “Negotiations are still ongoing and the MLSA is not yet finalized.”
But starting on Oct. 18, Royal Canadian Navy sailors will be serving on the Spanish Navy supply ship Cantabria. Navy spokesman Lt. Len Hickey said 28 sailors will be on the ship to conduct training during NATO's TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 exercise. Hickey said the training is focused on replenishment-at-sea activities as well as familiarity of engineering systems on the ship. The Canadians will be on the ship until Nov. 10, Hickey said.
The Spanish AOR Cantabria deployed with the Royal Australian Navy in 2013. The government of Australia paid the expenses of that deployment during the year. The Spanish Ministry of Defense is expected to reach a similar arrangement with the Royal Canadian Navy.
This year Canada selected the German Navy's Berlin-class design to replace its two Protecteur-class supply ships, which have been removed from service.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
HMCS Athabaskan Sidelined from NATO Exercise
This article was written by DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN
An aging Canadian warship, on its way to military exercises that are designed to send a strong message to Russia about the West’s resolve over the crisis in Ukraine, is now sidelined because of engine troubles.
One of the four engines on the 43-year-old HMCS Athabaskan stopped working, sending the destroyer to a port in England for about a week, sources told the Citizen.
Maintenance crews from Canada will be brought in to work on the ship.
Navy spokesman Lt.-Cmdr. Al Blondin confirmed Athabaskan is in port in the United Kingdom and that technicians will replace one of the destroyer’s four engines. The ship has two main engines and two cruise engines.
The ship could continue to operate safely with one of the cruise engines not functioning but the navy “determined the repairs will be made immediately to maintain the most economical modes of propulsion while ensuring optimal propulsion redundancy,” Blondin said.
“Once the necessary repairs to Athabaskan have been made, it will return to sea to participate in Exercise Trident Juncture.”
In June, Defence Minister Jason Kenney announced 1,600 Canadian military personnel, including up to five Canadian vessels, would take part in the major NATO exercise, which he said was meant to send a strong message to Russia over its actions in eastern Europe.
Kenney said the Canadian military’s participation in the exercise would ensure both NATO and Canada are well positioned to respond to any crisis.
Trident Juncture is now underway and will run until Nov. 6. HMCS Athabaskan was taking part in an earlier, related exercise when its engine malfunctioned.
Blondin acknowledged the destroyer is old but also pointed out that engine replacements are sometimes required, regardless of the class or age of ship.
HMCS Athabaskan, the flagship of Canada’s Atlantic fleet, was also sidelined earlier in the summer with cracks in its hull and various other engine issues, the Citizen reported in July.
Earlier this year, the ship broke down in Florida because of engine problems. It later broke down in the Caribbean, again because of engine issues.
HMCS Athabaskan sailors have contacted the Citizen to note a litany of problems, including limitations on fresh water on board the vessel. The ship has also been stripped of some of its radars and weapon systems, sailors say.
But the navy says it has confidence in the ship’s ability to continue to meet its duties. “It should be mentioned that HMCS Athabaskan’s role within the fleet has evolved over time,” said navy spokeswoman Lt. Linda Coleman. “During its service life, it has served as a platform capable of long-range anti-submarine warfare, area air defence, and enhanced command and control. Today, HMCS Athabaskan continues to fill a role that meets the current requirements of the fleet.”
The navy is trying to cope with a dwindling number of ships. The destroyers HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Iroquois were recently decommissioned. Iroquois was taken out of service after cracks were found in her hull. Another destroyer, HMCS Huron, was decommissioned, then sunk in 2007.
The navy had hoped to replace its four destroyers and 12 frigates with 15 new warships. The Conservative government approved the acquisition of “up to 15” new vessels.
But last week, Kenney said inflation and other factors could mean the navy would end up with only 11 ships.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has promised that, if elected, he would put more money into naval shipbuilding to ensure the navy has enough ships. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has argued that is not necessary as his government launched a massive shipbuilding program.
An aging Canadian warship, on its way to military exercises that are designed to send a strong message to Russia about the West’s resolve over the crisis in Ukraine, is now sidelined because of engine troubles.
 |
| Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship ATHABASKAN departs Canadian Forces Base Halifax Dockyard, Nova Scotia for Operation CARIBBE at on April 16, 2015. Photo: CF Combat Camera |
Maintenance crews from Canada will be brought in to work on the ship.
Navy spokesman Lt.-Cmdr. Al Blondin confirmed Athabaskan is in port in the United Kingdom and that technicians will replace one of the destroyer’s four engines. The ship has two main engines and two cruise engines.
The ship could continue to operate safely with one of the cruise engines not functioning but the navy “determined the repairs will be made immediately to maintain the most economical modes of propulsion while ensuring optimal propulsion redundancy,” Blondin said.
“Once the necessary repairs to Athabaskan have been made, it will return to sea to participate in Exercise Trident Juncture.”
In June, Defence Minister Jason Kenney announced 1,600 Canadian military personnel, including up to five Canadian vessels, would take part in the major NATO exercise, which he said was meant to send a strong message to Russia over its actions in eastern Europe.
Kenney said the Canadian military’s participation in the exercise would ensure both NATO and Canada are well positioned to respond to any crisis.
Trident Juncture is now underway and will run until Nov. 6. HMCS Athabaskan was taking part in an earlier, related exercise when its engine malfunctioned.
Blondin acknowledged the destroyer is old but also pointed out that engine replacements are sometimes required, regardless of the class or age of ship.
HMCS Athabaskan, the flagship of Canada’s Atlantic fleet, was also sidelined earlier in the summer with cracks in its hull and various other engine issues, the Citizen reported in July.
Earlier this year, the ship broke down in Florida because of engine problems. It later broke down in the Caribbean, again because of engine issues.
HMCS Athabaskan sailors have contacted the Citizen to note a litany of problems, including limitations on fresh water on board the vessel. The ship has also been stripped of some of its radars and weapon systems, sailors say.
But the navy says it has confidence in the ship’s ability to continue to meet its duties. “It should be mentioned that HMCS Athabaskan’s role within the fleet has evolved over time,” said navy spokeswoman Lt. Linda Coleman. “During its service life, it has served as a platform capable of long-range anti-submarine warfare, area air defence, and enhanced command and control. Today, HMCS Athabaskan continues to fill a role that meets the current requirements of the fleet.”
The navy is trying to cope with a dwindling number of ships. The destroyers HMCS Algonquin and HMCS Iroquois were recently decommissioned. Iroquois was taken out of service after cracks were found in her hull. Another destroyer, HMCS Huron, was decommissioned, then sunk in 2007.
The navy had hoped to replace its four destroyers and 12 frigates with 15 new warships. The Conservative government approved the acquisition of “up to 15” new vessels.
But last week, Kenney said inflation and other factors could mean the navy would end up with only 11 ships.
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has promised that, if elected, he would put more money into naval shipbuilding to ensure the navy has enough ships. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has argued that is not necessary as his government launched a massive shipbuilding program.
Monday, October 5, 2015
RCN Ships en route to JOINT WARRIOR and TRIDENT JUNCTUR
During the last week of September, HMCS Halifax left Norfolk Virginia, to meet up with HMCS Montreal and Athabaskan and USS William McLean and The Sullivans for the Trans-Atlantic voyage to the NATO led joint military exercises JOINT WARRIOR and TRIDENT JUNCTUR; refereed to as JOINTEX-15 in Canada.
Below is the press release from The Department of National Defence:
The ships are currently transiting the North Atlantic Ocean and will be conducting Task Group Exercises (TGEX) in preparation for the upcoming multinational military exercises JOINT WARRIOR and TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15, which is also referred to as JOINTEX 15 in Canada.
TGEX plays an important role for Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships’ crews by providing interoperability training for embarked fleet staff. HMCS Halifax will be flagship for TGEX, using new equipment fitted during its modernization to support the embarked Commander and his staff.
“This is an exciting time for the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Commodore Craig Baines, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic and head of the Canadian-led task group. “Our modernized frigates are proving their worth and their capability not only to take part in, but also to take the lead during, international maritime exercises. Our sailors, and all Canadians, can be proud of our country’s continuing reputation for excellence at sea.”
Exercises JOINT WARRIOR and TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 will take place in October and in November off the coast of the United Kingdom as well as of Portugal, Spain and Italy. They are two of the largest multinational military exercises to take place in recent years, with Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 being the largest NATO exercise in more than a decade.
These exercises will provide a challenging and complex tactical learning environment, further demonstrating the agility and adaptability of the RCN, its efficiency and effectiveness in working with the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army, as well as its interoperability with allied navies and military assets from around the globe.
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| HMCS Athabaskan, Montreal, and Halifax transit alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans during Task Group Exercises on their way to participate in JOINT WARRIOR, a United Kingdom-led multinational cooperative training exercise designed to prepare NATO and allied forces for global operations. |
TGEX plays an important role for Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships’ crews by providing interoperability training for embarked fleet staff. HMCS Halifax will be flagship for TGEX, using new equipment fitted during its modernization to support the embarked Commander and his staff.
“This is an exciting time for the Royal Canadian Navy,” said Commodore Craig Baines, Commander Canadian Fleet Atlantic and head of the Canadian-led task group. “Our modernized frigates are proving their worth and their capability not only to take part in, but also to take the lead during, international maritime exercises. Our sailors, and all Canadians, can be proud of our country’s continuing reputation for excellence at sea.”
Exercises JOINT WARRIOR and TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 will take place in October and in November off the coast of the United Kingdom as well as of Portugal, Spain and Italy. They are two of the largest multinational military exercises to take place in recent years, with Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 15 being the largest NATO exercise in more than a decade.
These exercises will provide a challenging and complex tactical learning environment, further demonstrating the agility and adaptability of the RCN, its efficiency and effectiveness in working with the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army, as well as its interoperability with allied navies and military assets from around the globe.
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