Canada Extends WFP Deployment

Give the Canadian government credit, they expressed interest in leading on the world stage by example, and they follow through with action.

Canada's navy has extended the deployment of a frigate protecting World Food Program aid shipments to Somalia in an effort to stave off pirate attacks that would hinder relief deliveries to the Horn of Africa nation.

The frigate Ville de Quebec will continue to escort food shipments to Somalia until Oct. 23, the Canadian navy said today in a statement. The frigate was due to complete a six-week mission guarding aid ships from pirates on Sept. 27.

The HMCS Ville de Quebec (FFH 332) was originally deployed to participate with SNMG-2, but she has spent almost her entire deployment to date escorting ships for the World Food Program.

Credit the Canadians, they are exactly who they say they are and the Navy's maritime strategy is clearly executing the national security strategy as put forth by the nations leadership. Yep, I was disappointed when the JSS was canceled, but Canada is a small power that adapts to constraints on budget resources. There is a lot to be admire regarding our neighbors to the north.