November 9, 2005
DARTMOUTH, N.S. -- Geoff Regan, Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today officially thanked the crew of the Sir William Alexander for its work in the southern United States following hurricane Katrina.
"I am very proud to be here today to formally mark the return of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir William Alexander and to congratulate the Commanding Officers and crew for a job very well done," said Minister Regan. "This spirit of collaboration, and of compassion for others in need, is a value that is not only important to the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard, but one that is important to all Canadians."
"I can't think of a more fitting name than Operation UNISON for a mission like this one," added Minister Regan. "Not only does it represent the collaboration between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Navy in response to a particular challenge, it embodies the strong relationship between Canada and the United States. The vessel and her crew quickly became an invaluable resource to our partners in the relief effort."
Minister Regan presented the crew with a letter from Prime Minister Paul Martin thanking them for their extensive efforts as well as a letter from Admiral Timothy J. Keating, of the United States Navy, commending them for their excellent work.
The excellent cooperation between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Forces demonstrated during Operation UNISON has also been praised by Vice Admiral Bruce MacLean, Chief of Maritime Staff of the Canadian Forces, who described the partnership of the two organizations as a hugely significant and welcomed interagency undertaking.
The 83-metre Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir William Alexander, together with three Canadian Navy vessels, all loaded with supplies, set sail from Halifax on September 6, 2005. The Sir William Alexander carried out relief work in US waters until October 22, 2005.
Backgrounder:
CCGS Sir William Alexander and OPERATION UNISON
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Steve Outhouse
A/Manager
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 998-1530
Sujata Raisinghani
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-3474
