Speeches
February 11, 2002
Speaking Notes for
General Raymond Henault
Chief of the Defence Staff
Welcome Back
To the Crew of HMCS HALIFAX
And its Sea King Air Detachment
Returning from the Arabian Gulf
To the Ship's Company
And Air Detachment of HMCS HALIFAX:
I am pleased to be here to welcome you home
after a successful mission in South West Asia.
From personal experience, I’m well aware that your priority right now
is not listening to speeches. So, in
the interest of speeding up your reunion with your families, I’ll keep my
remarks brief.
When you set sail last August to join
NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic, we had no idea that you would soon be
re-routed to join Op Apollo, as part of Canada’s first military response to the
fight against terrorism.
Or that you would lead the way as the first Canadian unit and the
first coalition ship to enter the theatre once the campaign began.
But when the mission changed, it was clear that you were up to the task.
By engaging in an intense training effort
en-route, you showed great flexibility in adapting to a very different environment.
And let me say that your work has been truly impressive.
You provided life-saving assistance during two search and rescue
operations. You supported maritime interdiction operations. And you
escorted high-value units through the Straits of Hormuz.
This was truly an intensive operation, and in this respect, I think
the numbers speak for themselves: over 28,000 nautical miles sailed and 146 Sea
King missions logging 380 flying hours.
Over the past several months, you’ve faced an almost constant state of
high alert, as well as physical and climatic challenges. Yet you carried out your duties with determination
and pride.
Your mission’s success is testament to your expertise and dedication.
And I would like you to know how proud I
am, and indeed all Canadians are, of your contribution to this mission.
You can take great satisfaction in your role in the coalition’s
efforts to rid the world of the threat of terrorism.
You have shown courage, professionalism and great skill.
And with that, I wish you well as you
return home to rejoin your families and friends and enjoy some well deserved leave.
And so congratulations on a job well done.
Welcome home!
