Posted on 07/28/2004 4:32:37 PM PDT by Clive
Several capabilities, one platform:The Joint Support Ship
By Lt(N) H. Diane Grover
When Prime Minister Paul Martin announced on April 14 a planned expenditure of $7 billion towards major capital purchases for the CF, it included one of the most innovative and transformational military acquisition any government has ever undertaken for the CF: The Joint Support Ship.
The $2.1-billion project to procure three multi-role Joint Support Ships (JSS) will not only help transform the Navy, it will usher in a new way of conducting joint operations that will lead transformational change within the CF.
The flexibility that is intended for this vessel, its sealift capability and ability to support deployed joint operations will enable the CF to engage in a much wider range of operations and as such these new ships will play a key role in the defence and security of Canada for the next 25 years or longer still.
Cost of new military capital projects: $7 Billion
Cost of three new Joint Support Ships: $2.1 Billion
Value of the Joint Support Ship to the Canadian Navy: PRICELESS The Joint Support Ship will be a hybrid vessel that will maintain the same underway support to naval task groups, that is already performed by the 35-year old Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ships (AORs), but with the added capabilities of both sealift and afloat support to shore forces.
The CF currently has two AOR vessels providing critical logistics functions to both East and West Coast fleets, HMCS PROTECTEUR and HMCS PRESERVER, commissioned in 1969 and 1970 respectively. Both have performed exceedingly well in their three decades of service, but are nearing the end of their operational lifespan. Moreover, it has become evident that more robust capabilities are needed, ones that can only be found in a different class of ship.
A surge sealift capability and the provision of critical command and control functions to forces ashore will be realized by these state-of-the-art Joint Support Ships, providing a significant force generator for the CF. “We’ve been able to carry out these functions to a limited degree, but it has been on an ad hoc basis and has increased demands on the Navy. The JSS will combine several capabilities in one platform,” says Commander Dave Harper, JSS project director.
Not only will these ships enhance the Navy’s ability to safeguard Canada’s domestic marine security, they will greatly enhance Canada’s global presence, preserving the essential supply functions that are currently performed by the maturing AORs, while assuring Canada’s role as a leader in naval innovation and excellence.
In a conventional naval task group configuration, the command and control platform is provided by a destroyer. “However,” emphasizes Cdr Harper, “the world is changing and the demands on our Navy are also changing. The need for an afloat joint force headquarters aimed at forces ashore is apparent.” Cdr Harper further points out that once the JSS assumes this role it will provide vital capabilities in areas where a shore-based headquarters may not be operationally feasible.
As an active member of the global community, Canada has significant maritime interests. Our ability to respond to global incidents is founded on having a broad base of capabilities. While deployments of individual ships, submarines, and aircraft may be appropriate to certain situations, these must be undertaken on the premise that they at least be able to look after themselves, not to mention retaining its competence in task group operations.
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Combat Icebreakers?
So9
Canada frequently deploys forces to peacekeeping operations and has done so since the Suez. Recent deployments include or have included, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Haiti and the Golan Heights.
Flotilla of canoes on a beer run.
Actually, these new ships can transport a much longer kayak...
Canadian Navy:
4 IROQUOIS class (DDH) air defence/anti-submarine destroyers
3 active, 1 reserve - all over 30 years old
12 HALIFAX class (FFH) multi-purpose frigate
4 VICTORIA class (SSK) submarine(ex-HMS UPHOLDER class)
12 KINGSTON class (MM) Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel
2 PROTECTEUR class (AOR) multi-cargo supply ship
1 QUEST oceanographic research ship
The Mall in Edmonton has more subs than the CF Naval branch
OTOH - Thier CF snipers are top notch all around good guys.
Woo hoo. Three more whole ships. [blows noisemaker]
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