Operation Apollo, Canada’s contribution to the War on Terrorism began shortly after the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. At the peak of one of its biggest troop deployments since the Korean War, Canada committed more than 2,000 personnel, six warships, air forces planes, and ground troops to Operation Apollo. In terms of numbers, the navy has made the largest Canadian contribution. Canadian frigates, destroyers, supply ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and Sea King helicopters have been working in tandem with the US-led coalition against terrorism. They have prevented illegal smuggling or the escape of suspected al-Qaeda members through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

From the start, Canada’s naval contribution came from both coasts. On October 17, the first vessels to set sail from Halifax were the Halifax-class frigate, HMCS Charlottetown, with a crew of 225; the supply ship, HMCS Preserver; and the destroyer HMCS Iroquois, both with crews of 300. These vessels followed the track of HMCS Halifax, which had passed through the Suez Canal three weeks earlier to the Arabian Sea.

On the West Coast, HMCS Vancouver was readied for participation in the coalition task force. Her role as an integral part of a US carrier battle group allowed her to join with the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis in San Diego. By the time the Stennis reached the Gulf region, there were 10 warships in the battle group.

Further contributions came from Halifax and Victoria throughout the year. HMCS Toronto departed Halifax on December 5 with a crew of 264. HMCS Ottawa followed by departing Victoria in February 2002. Ottawa joined four other Canadian vessels in the Gulf region helping to protect US carrier battle groups and conducting routine searches for contraband goods and al- Qaeda operatives.

HMCS Halifax was the first ship back after being deployed for over 6 months. In time, the Navy gradually reduced its commitment to three ships so that the rotation of assets could continue to maintain a Canadian presence in the Gulf. This reduction gave a steady state sustainment profile of two helicopters and two ships with a Commander Task Group staff embarked.

The Canadian Navy’s time in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman has included several highly successful operations. The highlights of those operations include:

HMCS Preserver rescued two starving men lost and adrift in the Persian Gulf. Preserver would later use its helicopter to transport the men to the UAE for medical attention.

HMCS Toronto’s discovery of a small boat laden with packages of hashish with the words "freedom for Afghanistan" stamped on them. With permission from the US commander in charge, Toronto and the American cruiser USS Leyte used their main armament and machine guns to sink the vessel and its contents.

HMCS Vancouver’s seizure of a tanker carrying smuggled Iraqi oil. Vancouver tracked the African registered tanker for three days before boarding it off the coast of Pakistan. Vancouver’s action would later be mirrored by HMCS St. John’s single-day arrest of two oil tankers carrying smuggled Iraqi oil.

During six months of patrols in the Gulf region, Canadian ships stopped over 3000 suspected vessels but did not find any terrorists. In July, HMCS Algonquin chased down a group of three, high speed, "go fast" boats and the first suspected terrorists were captured at sea. After being questioned, the suspected al-Qaeda terrorists were transferred to US forces.

By the end of May 2002, the Canadian Navy had 10 vessels take part in the international coalition. HMCS Vancouver was away from home for 212 days, spending a record 79 consecutive days at sea. In the end, Vancouver had sailed 112,000 kms before returning to Victoria. Interoperability was another important feature of Canadian naval skill in the Gulf. It led its coalition partners in its ability to communicate with the United States Navy by way of the Coalition Wide Area Network or COWAN.

RIMPAC - As well as the war on terrorism, the Canadian Navy participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises. RIMPAC brings the navies of Canada, Australia, Chile, Peru, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States together to work towards greater levels of interoperability. Canada sent three Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs) and a maritime Aurora aircraft to this year’s exercise. This provided naval reservists with invaluable training.

Chinese Port Visit - The Canadian Navy also acted as an international ambassador for Canada. HMCS Ottawa recently visited Shanghai and gave Canadian and Chinese officials the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest. Earlier visits resulted in a reciprocal visit by the People’s Liberation Army Navy to Esquimalt in September 2000.

Northern Exercises - The Canadian Navy made a landmark visit to the far north for the first time in 13 years. Exercises to the region affirm Canada’s sovereignty over the vast four million square kilometers of northern coastlines, waterways, and islands. Scientists predict that global warming may eventually make the Northern Passage suitable for navigation by ships. There is a future chance that the Northern Passage, considered to be part of Canada, could be opened to transits by international ships.

Victoria-Class Submarines - Finally, the Canadian Navy is integrating four diesel electric submarines acquired from Britain. While the submarines have drawn criticism in the media, they will be invaluable additions to the Navy, once they are refitted to Canadian standards and placed into service.

Canada will pay about $USD 500 million for the four submarines, or $125 million each. In comparison, the Royal Australian Navy has paid approximately four times that to acquire each of its diesel-electric Collins-class submarines.

In summary, the Canadian Navy has continued to maintain its international involvement despite decreasing resources. The Navy has managed to deploy a very significant portion of its fleet without a major increase in funding. In spite of this, the Canadian Navy continues to contribute to the international coalition against terrorism.

Dr. Boutilier is the Special Advisor (Policy) to MARPAC Headquarters, Esquimalt, BC

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