The tank isn't our only weapon...

[meltdown75]

Canadian warship scares off suspected pirates

By Roger Ward, THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO - Warding off suspected pirates and coming to the aid of Somali refugees was all in a weekend's work for the crew of the Canadian Navy's HMCS Winnipeg.

On Saturday, Winnipeg dispatched its Sea King helicopter to check out several skiffs that were shadowing the commercial vessel, Pacific Opal in the Gulf of Aden.

Commander Craig Baines said the chopper's crew quickly made their presence and intent known.

"The helicopter actually has a large 'Stop' sign, written in Somali, and they were able to hang it out the cargo door next to the C-6 machine-gun," Baines said in a telephone interview.

"As soon as the (suspected) pirates saw the sign, they immediately stopped what they were doing."

The Sea King stayed with the Pacific Opal until it was certain that the suspected pirates were no longer a threat, Baines said.

Piracy is rampant around the coast of Somalia, which has not had a functioning government for 18 years.

In the past year, maritime attackers have captured trawlers, small fishing boats, cruise ships and even a cargo ship laden with heavy weapons.

On Sunday HMCS Winnipeg saw more action when a helicopter patrol spotted a boat overflowing with refugees trying to get from Somalia to Yemen.

"There were 51 people in what looked to be a 25-foot boat," Baines said. "They had been at sea for two days and were hungry and thirsty."

Being able to perform a variety of functions for NATO in the Gulf is satisfying, the commander said.

"We see different things each day, from a possible pirate situation one day to a humanitarian assistance effort the next, it's very rewarding to the crew."

Baines also had praise for the Winnipeg's lone Sea King helicopter. The Canadian Forces fleet of aged choppers is often criticized for being long past their expiry date, and prone to accidents. But Baines said their Sea King is a valuable tool in the mission.

"When you add a helicopter into the mix it really expands your ability to conduct surveillance because the helicopter can go 50 miles (80 kilometres) from the ship," he said.

The Winnipeg is currently participating in a NATO led counter-piracy mission known as Operation Allied Protector, part of an effort by the international community to restore safety to a major shipping lane that passes by the Horn of Africa.

With a crew of approximately 240 officers and non-commissioned members, it's been at sea since February 5, and won't return to Victoria until August 21.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Ca.../04/05/9010381-cp.html

Canadian military officials have expressed releif over not having to bring out their secret weapon, a giant yellow sign that says, "Please?"

 

[sdifox]

I am guessing they borrowed it from the Quebec government?

http://static.zooomr.com/images/5903582_972d583d87.jpg

 

[dguy6789]

:laugh:

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
....
The Sea King stayed with the Pacific Opal until it was certain that the suspected pirates were no longer a threat, Baines said. ..

Fuck Yeah, Seaking!

 

[rasczak]

where's a pic of the effing stop sign?

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: rasczak
where's a pic of the effing stop sign?

The photographers saw it, and they too immediately stopped what they were doing.

 

[imported_Champ]

Originally posted by: Jeff7

Originally posted by: rasczak
where's a pic of the effing stop sign?

The photographers saw it, and they too immediately stopped what they were doing.

This proves Canadians are too polite

 

[3chordcharlie]

From article:

"The helicopter actually has a large 'Stop' sign, written in Somali, and they were able to hang it out the cargo door next to the C-6 machine-gun," Baines said in a telephone interview.

"As soon as the (suspected) pirates saw the sign, they immediately stopped what they were doing."

Originally posted by: Champ


This proves Pirates are too polite

It sure does!

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: Champ

Originally posted by: Jeff7

Originally posted by: rasczak
where's a pic of the effing stop sign?

The photographers saw it, and they too immediately stopped what they were doing.

This proves Canadians are too polite

Polite? Maybe most, but the ones manning the border stations seem to get a kick out of making your day as miserable as possible.

Like those twats on the Washington/BC border.

 

[Exterous]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie
From article:

"The helicopter actually has a large 'Stop' sign, written in Somali, and they were able to hang it out the cargo door next to the C-6 machine-gun," Baines said in a telephone interview.

"As soon as the (suspected) pirates saw the sign, they immediately stopped what they were doing."

Originally posted by: Champ


This proves Pirates are too polite

It sure does!

Well, they asked so nicely....

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: Spartan Niner

Originally posted by: Champ

Originally posted by: Jeff7

Originally posted by: rasczak
where's a pic of the effing stop sign?

The photographers saw it, and they too immediately stopped what they were doing.

This proves Canadians are too polite

Polite? Maybe most, but the ones manning the border stations seem to get a kick out of making your day as miserable as possible.

Like those twats on the Washington/BC border.

What did I miss? link please