Bravo Zulu.....

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

HMCS Chicoutimi to receive CF Unit Commendation
OTTAWA, Oct. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Chief of the Defence Staff General Rick
Hillier announced today that HMCS Chicoutimi has received the Canadian Forces
Unit Commendation for the exceptional effort of her crew to save the submarine
during a five-day struggle that began on October 5, 2004 with an on-board
electrical fire that crippled the submarine. The incident happened during
Chicoutimi's maiden voyage from Scotland to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The award citation states, "... all 57 crewmembers reacted in an
outstanding manner to this difficult ordeal, affecting an immediate response
to the fire at sea and subsequent events. They worked courageously, with great
purpose, to save their submarine, and endured considerable hardship and risk
in so doing. In the face of heavy seas, multiple casualties, reduced air
quality and the tragic death of one of their fellow submariners, the ship's
company continued in the highest traditions of submarine service and the
Canadian Forces."
General Hillier applauds its crew for their exemplary dedication and
outstanding action at sea. "It was a superb demonstration of teamwork and
extraordinary determination. While our sailors are trained and prepared to
deal with the very worst, no one could have predicted the chain of events that
occurred last fall. I wish to commend the crew personally for their resolve in
the face of tragedy."
The Unit Commendation has three elements: a framed, gold-embossed scroll,
a golden medallion, and a commemorative flag. These items soon will be
ceremonially presented to HMCS Chicoutimi in Halifax, N.S.
At the same ceremony, Chief of the Maritime Staff Vice-Admiral Bruce
MacLean will present the Navy's certificate of appreciation, the Bravo Zulu,
to all crewmembers who were aboard at the time for their individual efforts to
save the crippled submarine. "The crew prepared long and hard for their maiden
voyage, and reacted exceptionally well to the tragic accident that befell
their submarine," said Vice-Adm. MacLean. "Each member of that crew deserves
to be acknowledged for their extraordinary efforts in such perilous
conditions."

The Canadian Forces Unit Commendation was created in 1980 to recognize
distinguished service by "any formation, unit or sub-unit of the CF, or to any
similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction
with the CF, that has performed a deed or activity considered beyond the
demand of normal duty."
"Bravo Zulu" is the international naval flag signal that means "well
done".

Note to editors: Complete information on the CF Unit Commendation is
available at
http://www.forces.ca/hr/dhh/honours_...cat=3&Q_ID=119

The full citation of the award of the CF Unit Commendation to HMCS
Chicoutimi is attached.


-----------

CITATION
CF UNIT COMMENDATION
HMCS CHICOUTIMI - OCT 04
------------------------

During the afternoon of 5 October 2004, a serious fire broke out on board
Her Majesty's Canadian Submarine CHICOUTIMI, while en route from Faslane,
Scotland to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Almost immediately, the submarine filled
with black, acrid smoke and incurred significant damage to its systems,
leaving the vessel without any services or propulsion in heavy seas. The
submarine sustained a total of nine casualties, including one fatality. While
submarine ship's companies are trained to handle a great variety of
emergencies, the particular incident that crippled CHICOUTIMI was totally
unforeseen and required great concentration, perseverance, and ingenuity from
all on board. All 57 crewmembers reacted in an outstanding manner to this
difficult ordeal, affecting an immediate response to the fire at sea and
subsequent events. They worked courageously, with great purpose, to save their
submarine, and endured considerable hardship and risk in so doing. In the face
of heavy seas, multiple casualties, reduced air quality, and the tragic death
of one of their fellow submariners, the ship's company acted in the highest
traditions of submarine service and the Canadian Forces."



For further information: (613) 996-2353/54, After hours: (613) 792-2973,
World Wide Web: http://www.forces.gc.ca

Well done lads...Now the sun is over the yard arm...
TOT's UP!!!!