University scholars set to sail
Stephanie Burr
Staff writer
February 4, 2008
While alongside Kahului, Hawaii, in mid-February, HMCS Vancouver will fill its bunks with four Canadian university professors.
The scholars, two from the Royal Military College, one from the University of Manitoba and the other from the University of Alberta, will observe the ship’s participation in the sea phase of a United States Submarine Commanders’ course.
“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to experience firsthand what it is like to be at sea in a frigate and observe how our navy operates,” says Dr. Tami Jacoby, acting director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. “I’m hoping we’ll be able to interact with the sailors and get a true sense of what their jobs consist of during the deployment.”
The unique chance to “ride along” in a frigate was made possible through Operation Connection, the CF’s effort to connect the public with their navy.
“Myself and my fellow researchers have visited the Canadian Forces in both Bosnia and Afghanistan, and found the trips necessary in helping us to gain an interactive understanding of the realities of life in the military,” says Dr. Jacoby. “I think it is essential that we as teachers, advisors, and researchers not become armchair philosophers. In order to pass knowledge on to others, we need to have a full understanding of the information we are communicating.”
To get the full navy experience, the scholars’ daily routine will mimic that of a sailor.
“They will be sleeping in the regulars bunks like everyone else, and expected to follow a similar routine,” says Lt(N) Tim Syer, bridge watchkeeper in Vancouver. “By integrating the scholars into our everyday activities we hope to give them a realistic understanding of what we do, and what our ships are capable of doing. We believe the better informed people are, the better equipped they are to make decisions, or form opinions concerning the military.”
The four have been warned about the potential for rough waters and were advised to take seasickness medication. “We want them to enjoy their stay and while taking the medicine may seem over cautious, it is the best way to guarantee them a pleasant passage,” says Lt(N) Syer.
For Dr. Jacoby, the prospect of getting motion sickness pales in comparison to getting to see the inside of the ship. “I’m very excited to explore Vancouver, and I am open to being put to work,” she says. “Really the more realistic my trip, the better.”
