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4. Sailors assist in Newfoundland relief efforts

Domestic Operations: Sailors assist in Newfoundland relief efforts

By Darlene Blakeley

Credit:  Cpl Francis Gauthier HMCS Fredericton’s executive officer, Lieutenant-Commander Daniel Charlebois, centre, speaks with Gus Olford, right, of Tickel Cove, during the ship’s deployment to Newfoundland in the wake of Hurricane Igor.

Newfoundlanders are no strangers to the navy. However, it is not every day that they see sailors come ashore to help them through a natural disaster like Hurricane Igor.

The hurricane, which blasted through the province with powerful winds and heavy rains Sept. 21, collapsed bridges, washed out roads, knocked out power and stranded some residents in their homes.

More than 1,000 members from the air, land and maritime components of the Canadian Forces, in coordination with the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, assisted residents affected by the hurricane by delivering critical supplies such as food, water, medical supplies and fuel; providing medical evacuation; assisting in moving power crews and materials to repair power grids; delivering generators and re-supplying fuel to main communications nodes; assisting with bridging and road repair; and transporting engineering analysis teams.

Credit:  Cpl Rick Ayer A load of supplies is transferred from HMCS St, John’s into a waiting rigid-hulled inflatable boat to be taken ashore in Newfoundland.

Dubbed Operation Lama, this domestic humanitarian relief mission was led by Canada Command, responsible for all routine and contingency CF operations in Canada and continental North America, and conducted through Joint Task Force Atlantic (JTFA).

The navy sent three frigates to the area: HMC Ships Fredericton, St. John’s and Montréal. The ships arrived shortly after the hurricane and their crews worked in the area for several days. They were positioned near some of the hardest hit coastal communities, acting primarily as platforms for the helicopters, but also assessing local needs as well as transporting personnel and supplies when required. St. John’s was stationed just off the Burin Peninsula, while Montreal operated near the Bonavista Peninsula. Fredericton, which had been diverted to Newfoundland on her way home to Halifax from her Great Lakes deployment, also contributed to the operation by carrying out similar tasks.

Newfoundland has always had strong ties to the navy. Out of HMCS Fredericton’s crew of 220, nearly 60 are originally from Newfoundland. Some are even from the many communities that line Bonavista Bay, including Able Seaman Mitchell Stokes. Originally from New-Wes-Valley, he says that the rescue effort means a great deal to the people of Newfoundland. “You know that people out there listen and care,” he says. “We’ve already shown that the navy can help faraway countries in their hour of need, like Haiti. Now we’re showing we can help at home, too.”

Credit:  Cpl Francis Gauthier A Sea King helicopter on the deck of HMCS Montréal prepares to transport barrels of fuel ashore to Newfoundland.

As proud and independent as these communities are, they were equally thankful for the help. “The most powerful thing I have taken away from this relief effort is the resilient spirit of the people here,” says Commander John Zorz, commanding officer of Fredericton. “They have banded together, pooled their food and supplies, and have faced this challenge with incredible tenacity.”

All three ships had departed the area by Oct. 3.

For more information, visit: www.canadacom.forces.gc.ca/spec/lama-eng.asp

 

With files from Lt(N) Ed Stansfield.

 

 

 

 

 

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Date Modified:

2010-10-05