Bellingham Navy League

One American's View - David Meadows is a retired US Navy Captain

and the author of numerous books and articles on military subjects.

This message was on the U.S. Military.Com website. You will find it quite

positive. It appears that Mr. Meadows knows one helluva lot more about

what our military is doing than most Canadians. I trust this message

will assist to improve their knowledge.

David Meadows ~ April 27, 2006

On April 22, 2006 four Canadian soldiers were killed in

Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Respects and heartfelt sadness go to

the families of those heroes who stand alongside the U.S. In the Long War

half a world away. While we focus on the war in Iraq, the fighting

continues in Afghanistan where side-by-side the U.S. And one of its

most loyal allies, Canada, engage the re-emergence of the Taliban.

Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and

complains about what you are doing, but when help is truly needed, you

can't keep him away: he's right there alongside you. We have a unique

relationship with Canada. We have different political positions on

many issues, but our unique friendship has weathered world wars, global

crises, and the ever-so-often neighborhood disagreement.

Canada has been with us since the beginning of the Global War on

Terrorism. In February 2006, without fanfare Canada, leading a

multinational force combating growing Taliban insurgency, increased

troop strength in Afghanistan to 2,300. With the American military

stretched thin against rising instability in both Iraq and

Afghanistan, an ally that increases its troop strength is inspiring and

deserves

our respect.

Katrina was another example of our close family-like

relationship.

Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. Two days later, the

Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue Team rushed from British Columbia,

Canada to Saint Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In this Parish of 68,000

Americans, the first responders were Canadians. Overall, within the

devastated Gulf Coast area, it appears Canada was the first responder

outside of local efforts. They worked 18-hour days, going door-to-door

alongside Louisiana State Troopers, rescuing 119-Americans.

While FEMA ramped up to surge into the catastrophe; while the

administration and Louisiana fought for the politically correct way to

respond; Canadian aid was already at work.

The Canadian Forces Joint Task Group 306 consisting of the

warships HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Toronto, NSMC Ville de Quebec, and CCGC

William Alexander sailed to the Gulf Coast to deliver humanitarian

supplies. They stayed, working alongside U.S. Navy and Mexican

warships, to provide aid to Katrina victims.

Katrina was not an anomaly of our close relationship. When

Hurricane Ivan devastated Pensacola, Florida in October 2004 Canadian

humanitarian help was there also. Canadian power trucks roamed the

streets and countryside helping restore electricity where Americans

had a unique experience of running into workmen who only spoke French.

Canada took a lot of undeserved flak for failing to leap into

Operation Iraqi Freedom when our administration sent us galloping

across the desert. But Canada remains one of our staunchest allies in the

war.

When United States military forces were fighting up the highways in

Operation Iraqi Freedom, Canada quietly increased troop numbers in

Afghanistan and continued Naval operations with U.S. Warships in the

Persian Gulf.

I was at the Pentagon on 9/11, stationed on the Joint Staff.

During the early hours after the attack, the United States closed its

air space and ordered every aircraft within our borders to land

immediately at the nearest airfield. Canada immediately stood up an

Operations Support Post. With civil aviation grounded, aircraft

destined for the United States were forced elsewhere. Most landed in

Canada.

Re-routed travelers and flight crews were hosted at Canadian Forces

facilities in Goose Bay, Gander, and Stephenville, Newfoundland;

Halifax, Shearwater, and Aldershot, Nova Scotia; Winnipeg, Manitoba;

and, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Canada rapidly mobilized its forces. Within hours, the Canadian

Navy was on alert with ships preparing to cast off immediately for any

U.S. Port to help victims of the 9/11 attacks. Canada's Disaster

Assistance Response Team prepared to deploy from Trenton, Ontario.

Canada dispersed CF-18 fighter aircraft to strategic locations

throughout Canada. No politics. No negotiating. No questions. They

were just there. Canada would have fought any adversary that approached the

United States that day.

Canada has been such an integral partner with the United States

in the Global War on Terrorism that on December 7, 2004 when President

Bush awarded the Presidential Unit Citation to Commander Joint Force South

for combat success in Afghanistan, he was also recognizing the

secretive Canadian Joint Task Force 2 commando counter-terrorism unit.

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded 30 Bronze Star medals

for heroism in combat to Canadian Forces personnel. Some of those 30

died in action. Many of the others were wounded. These Canadians

earned this American medal for heroism fighting alongside Americans. When we

recall our own dead heroes, we must remember that these warriors gave

their lives not only for Canada, but also for the United States.

Canada is more than a neighbor. It is a close family member with

the gumption to disagree with its brother to the south but always be

there when disaster strikes and America needs help. For that, I salute

you, Canada, and extend my respect for the sacrifices given by members

of the Canadian Forces.