Ships Vancouver and Ottawa head to Hawaii for training
Stephanie Burr
Staff writer
February 4, 2008
This morning, HMC Ships Vancouver and Ottawa, plus one embarked Sea King, pulled anchor and set a course for warmer waters.
The two warships are en route for the Hawaiian Operating Areas to take part in the United States Submarine Commanders’ Course. The ships will serve as enemy vessels during the four-day sea phase of testing prospective U.S. submarine commanders and executive officers.
“The United States submariners will get the opportunity to track us and try to fire simulated torpedoes at us in an attempt to sink the ships,” says Lt(N) Tim Syer, bridge watchkeeper in Vancouver. “In return, we’ll get to practice evading them and trying to gain an offensive position as we hunt them.”
The introduction of Canadian war ships into the sea phase of the course enables U.S. submariners to interact with ships other than their own.
“When you work with your own ships you become familiar with their tactics and their noises. You are used to their strategies and can anticipate what their next move will be. When you work with foreign ships, you have to implement all your skills in order to predict their movements and, in turn, succeed,” says Lt(N) Syer. “Our ships will move differently than theirs and will thus challenge them. Likewise for us, their submarines will present a different scenario for us rather than working with our own subs.”
The hydro phonic, underwater firing range will collect data of all the sounds and movements within the range.
“This means that after the course is completed, everyone can look at how effective their tactics and procedures were and which ones need improving,” says Lt(N) Syer.
During the seven-day transit to Hawaii, Vancouver will aid Ottawa’s crew in their work-ups.
“Vancouver will function as a consort to help the Ottawa crew push the limits of their capabilities to assist them in reaching a higher level of training and readiness,” says Cdr Casper Donovan, Vancouver’s Commanding Officer.
Before the exercise begins, both ships’ crew will enjoy port visits. Vancouver will visit Hilo on the big island from Feb 14 to16, and then head to Kahului, Maui, for two days. “It’s a great break and a morale boost for the crew. Some crew members have chosen to fly their loved ones in to meet them in Hawaii for a little vacation,” says Lt(N) Syer. “It’s especially nice as most of us haven’t ever been to Kahului, and aboard a navy ship is a great way to experience the islands.”
