June 7, 2015 - Ottawa - The Canadian Forces Unit Commendation was presented yesterday to USS Chosin for exceptional support of the crew of HMCS Protecteur when it suffered a fire at sea last year.
Rear Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, presented the award on behalf of General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, at a reception onboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Calgary while the ship was participating in Fleet Week at the Portland Rose Festival in Portland, Oregon.
- On February 27, 2014, HMCS Protecteur experienced a major engine room fire at sea while returning to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, after a two-month deployment in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
- The courage and professionalism of the entire crew saved the ship, but the damage resulted in a loss of power and propulsion. HMCS Protecteur was stopped in the water in challenging weather conditions 340 nautical miles northeast of Pearl Harbor and in need of assistance.
- USS Chosin rendered invaluable assistance by engaging in casualty evacuations, and providing continuous transfer of essential equipment and supplies in hazardous conditions which ensured the safety of HMCS Protecteur and her crew.
- On May 26, 2015, USS Michael Murphy and Navy Region Hawaii were also awarded with the Canadian Forces Unit Commendation for their exceptional support to HMCS Protecteur during their time of need.
- The Canadian Forces Unit Commendation is a group award created to recognize distinguished service by personnel within a military unit.
Created by the Chief of the Defence Staff in 1980, the commendation is awarded to any formation, unit or sub-unit of the Canadian Armed Forces, or to any similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the Canadian Armed Forces, that has performed a deed or activity considered beyond the demand of normal duty.
“The crew of USS Chosin took action under extremely demanding circumstances. I commend them for their contribution to the supportive relationship between the navies of the United States and Canada.”
Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence
“The crew of USS Chosin went above and beyond the demand of normal duty, and I am honoured to recognize them for their dedication and service, helping to ensure the safe return of the officers and crew of HMCS Protecteur.”
General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff
“The Royal Canadian Navy is extremely appreciative of the tremendous support provided by USS Chosin during this difficult situation.”
Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander Royal Canadian Navy
For more information on the Royal Canadian Navy please visit www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca or follow us on Twitter @RCN_MRC
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Lauren Armstrong
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Lauren.Armstrong2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
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