Summary
The frigates can either be integrated into a multinational force that has its own command structure and logistics system or they can work within a self-sufficient Canadian naval task group. If Canada is to take the lead in a future quarantine operation, such a task group would be required. And it is here that some problems exist. First, the three remaining destroyers which act as command ships are overdue for replacement and it is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain their combat effectiveness. Commanding a multinational operation would be very difficult without those capabilities. A parallel concern exists over the ability to keep the aging fleet support ships going for the duration of the mission. Those vessels are capability multipliers and allow a group of frigates and destroyers to remain at sea for about 30 days without having to return to port for fuel and food.
Are those problems prohibitive? Certainly not! A little innovation would allow a merchant tanker to replace most of the capabilities inherent in a fleet support ship -- the British did this with great success in the 1982 Falklands War and there is no reason why such modifications cannot be made again. Anyway, perhaps a fleet replenishment vessel of another navy could be made available. It would be a multinational operation after all! Replacing a command ship is more problematic. Perhaps command could be exercised out of a suitable ship of another navy -- but it's not only the ships that matter, it is the experience in commanding a large multinational force that comes first.See the full content of this document
Extract
Ready, Aye Ready!
The Canadian navy is capable of leading an international effort off Korea
PETER HAYDONTHE United Nations' sanctions against North Korea for its defiant nuclear policy bring back memories of the Canadian Navy's five-year commitment to peace in the Korean peninsular from 1950 to 1955. Today, international concerns are somewhat differe...See the full content of this document
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