Canadian Sea King on Gulf detachment U/S for 45% of deployment
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Canadian Sea King on Gulf detachment U/S for 45% of deployment
Extract from yesterday's Toronto Star
Scary! 
Full article here.
Maintenance woes plagued Sea King in terror fight
OTTAWA (CP) — The latest Sea King helicopter to return from overseas duty sat idle almost half the time because of persistent maintenance problems, says a newly released report.
The aircraft, which flew from HMCS Fredericton in the Arabian Sea, had to scrap 42 of its scheduled missions due to mechanical troubles, says the document.
"The most significant negative issue with respect to maintenance throughout the deployment was the chronic shortage of available spare parts and the coincidental lack of proper tools to effect timely repairs," says the report, obtained under the Access to Information Act.
"There were significant periods when the aircraft was unavailable while awaiting receipt of parts or tools."
The aging Sea King was assigned to patrol the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Apollo, the U.S.-led anti-terrorism operation. The six-month mission ended Aug. 28 when HMCS Fredericton returned to its home port of Halifax.
Mechanical problems have plagued Sea King operations on previous overseas missions, but the 55 per cent availability rate for the Fredericton's aircraft while it was in the operational theatre is one of the worst on record.
The 28-helicopter fleet, which dates from the mid-1960s, has long been plagued by a shortage of spare parts.
Many of the systems on board are based on 1950s technology for which replacement parts are often not available.
But the report also highlights the dangers of the frenetic pace demanded of Sea King technicians in preparing the aircraft for frequent missions overseas.
The helicopter had parts attached backwards, fuel lines installed incorrectly and bolts left loose.
OTTAWA (CP) — The latest Sea King helicopter to return from overseas duty sat idle almost half the time because of persistent maintenance problems, says a newly released report.
The aircraft, which flew from HMCS Fredericton in the Arabian Sea, had to scrap 42 of its scheduled missions due to mechanical troubles, says the document.
"The most significant negative issue with respect to maintenance throughout the deployment was the chronic shortage of available spare parts and the coincidental lack of proper tools to effect timely repairs," says the report, obtained under the Access to Information Act.
"There were significant periods when the aircraft was unavailable while awaiting receipt of parts or tools."
The aging Sea King was assigned to patrol the Arabian Sea as part of Operation Apollo, the U.S.-led anti-terrorism operation. The six-month mission ended Aug. 28 when HMCS Fredericton returned to its home port of Halifax.
Mechanical problems have plagued Sea King operations on previous overseas missions, but the 55 per cent availability rate for the Fredericton's aircraft while it was in the operational theatre is one of the worst on record.
The 28-helicopter fleet, which dates from the mid-1960s, has long been plagued by a shortage of spare parts.
Many of the systems on board are based on 1950s technology for which replacement parts are often not available.
But the report also highlights the dangers of the frenetic pace demanded of Sea King technicians in preparing the aircraft for frequent missions overseas.
The helicopter had parts attached backwards, fuel lines installed incorrectly and bolts left loose.
Full article here.
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If they think Sea King spares availability/serviceability is poor - just imagine what the reaction will be when someone does the sums on the Merlin (or whatever it is the Canadians have called it)!!!
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I suppose my views are those of a near-sighted capitalist-pig American. But from down here, it sure looks to me that the Canadian defense policy is to depend upon 1) oceans and 2) the US military if oceans don't work. The Canadian military is undoubtedly well trained. But too few and ill-equipped.
Back in WWII, Canada had a real navy and was assigned one of the five D-day beaches. Those days are long gone.
Back in WWII, Canada had a real navy and was assigned one of the five D-day beaches. Those days are long gone.
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OFBSLF,
As one of those few, I think you weren't that far off. Oceans are our country's primary mode of defence. Next is sticking our head in the sand.
As stated, the truth is not that far away. Canada in post-Cold war Europe had a significant Air and Naval force that suffered as time passed, as the Canadian Military must, in a country that has not known (real) civil war nor invasion (US attempt in 1812 notwithstanding). Our contribution to our own defence has been sadly lacking for for the past 3 generations - not just the last decade. Canada's current lack of coherent... 1) Foreign Policy, and... 2) a viable and useful Defence White Paper that reflects the 21st century realities conclusively shows that the current Federal Government is adrift and reactionary, to the significant detriment of our people in uniform.
Unfortunately, as a Canadian, I will have to concur with my southern brethren with respect to his assessment of the Canadian Government's reaction to more sad, yet likely deaths.
CF pers: Check Six! (...cuz the gov't won't do it for you!)
As one of those few, I think you weren't that far off. Oceans are our country's primary mode of defence. Next is sticking our head in the sand.
As stated, the truth is not that far away. Canada in post-Cold war Europe had a significant Air and Naval force that suffered as time passed, as the Canadian Military must, in a country that has not known (real) civil war nor invasion (US attempt in 1812 notwithstanding). Our contribution to our own defence has been sadly lacking for for the past 3 generations - not just the last decade. Canada's current lack of coherent... 1) Foreign Policy, and... 2) a viable and useful Defence White Paper that reflects the 21st century realities conclusively shows that the current Federal Government is adrift and reactionary, to the significant detriment of our people in uniform.
Unfortunately, as a Canadian, I will have to concur with my southern brethren with respect to his assessment of the Canadian Government's reaction to more sad, yet likely deaths.
CF pers: Check Six! (...cuz the gov't won't do it for you!)
