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Hey Biff
Just a couple of funny stories I recall during the late 60’s and early 70’s (Cold War times). The young guys in the forces now ask us what war we fought in. I always say “The Cold War; you don’t see any people talking Russian or any Russians walking the streets of Canada; do you? That means that we must have done a good job”.
Story #1: Onboard HMCS Fraser in mid-to-late 60’s doing those dreadful checkerboards somewhere between Yarmouth and Boston, 100 square mile radius to sweep with both Sonar and Radar looking for enemy subs, I remember at the end of a 30 day exercise it was time to raise the 7A Sonar dome. The dome was in transit when it stopped. I recall us OD’s (Ordinary Seamen) telling the LS (Leading Seaman) to check the fuse but the LS came back with a strong N.F.W. Raise it by hand. The four OD’s started raising it by hand and Rex Guy (the Old Man) were not happy campers. I don’t remember the LS‘s name but I do recall LS Hawke up in the forward SIS (Sonar Instrument Space) having a smoke, while we juniors did all the tough work.
Story #2: During the late 60’s and early 70’s life for a sailor at Shelburne (a shore base) was very busy. The Americans were keeping a close eye on the Soviets subs patrolling this side of the mid Atlantic Ridge. We, at Shelburne were required to switch to Rep Con (Reporting Condition) the Americans were in. At times Rep Con 1 which means to report everything. As a reward for our hard work the Secretary of the Navy (United States) presented the ‘Navy Unit Commendation’ to CFS Shelburne.
The citation read: “For exceptionally meritorious service from 01 August 1969 to 31 August 1972 while conducting oceanographic operations in the North Atlantic. Participating as a unit of Task Group 81.1 in operations of vital interest to the countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Canadian Forces Station Shelburne displayed an outstanding degree of professional important and sensitive missions. The significant contributions of this unit attest to the superbly coordinated teamwork, operational expertise, and resourcefulness of its officers and enlisted personnel. Their exemplary performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Canadian Armed Forces. "
Each member of CFS Shelburne who was employed there between the above dates was presented with a ribbon (not a metal) to be worn to the left of our CD. When I first started wearing it and was asked why I got it, I would reply that it’s a unit commendation from the US Navy. “Yea sure,” was the response. Finally I would say, “The green is for the uniform I wear so proudly (We had just switched from square rig to greens); the blue is for the ocean I sail upon; the red is the colour of blood I never saw and yellow is the reason why.” The reaction was "Is that right?"
Story #3: It was the year 1976 and I was onboard HMCS Huron doing a NATO deployment somewhere north of Scotland, when word came out that the Russian Carrier Kiev was exiting the Med and heading to the North Fleet. The NATO exercise we were on was stopped and half the ships were sent down the east side of England and the other half down the west side. It was not known how the Kiev and its escorts would transit north. It ended up she came up the west side and that was the side Huron was on. There were a couple Kresta class destroyers escorting her north. When the Huron came over the horizon (commanded by CDR Cavan) we went between the Kiev and her escorts. I believe it was D1 (the squadron Commander) just arrived on the bridge and yelled, “What the hell are you trying to do, start WWIII?” Prior to arriving we knew there would be a lot of pictures taken by intelligence so we took a new silver garbage can and put it on top of the forward capstan and put 4 sonobuoy tubes (the cardboard type) cases inside the garbage can. Then we took yellow duct tape and painted "Stand clear of the mount when training". Then we turned the capstan from the cable deck. A lot of pictures were taken by the Russians. I often wonder if they got a good laugh about that.
Ron
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