| On Saturday, 31 October the visiting Canadian
Naval Air Goup contingent stepped off smartly at the Freedom Of Entry Parade
in Nowra, Australia to the enthusiastic applause of the local population.
The group was composed of 20 former members of the Canadian Naval Service
and their wives who journeyed from across Canada to join with their "Aussie"
mates in celebrating 50 years of naval aviation. Dressed in distinctive
CNAG crested jackets and berets, the Canadian Platoon marched proudly behind
the White Ensign to the Nowra Downs where they were officially welcomed
by he lord Mayor
Planning for this excursion had begun at the 1995 CNAG Reunion in Edmonton when a visiting member of the Australian FAA invited our Group to join them in their Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations at Nowra in October 1998. Over the next three years, arrangements were made with Goway Travel for a 30-day itinerary to include New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii. The Group departed Canada on Thursday 15 October from Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver -joining up in Los Angeles for the flight to Auckland. This portion of the trip was 14 hours and although weary, the CNAG Group dressed in their distinctive royal blue jackets and "EH Team" caps were ready to hit the road. KIA ORA AOTEAROA -Welcome to the "Land Of The Long White Cloud" as the Maori people call New Zealand. |
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| The tour commenced on North Island and included
stays at Auckland and Rotorua with travel by touring coach which afforded
opportunities to stop at many noteworthy tourist attractions. First, a
stop at Kelly Tarlton's world famous aquarium followed by a luncheon cruise
on Auckland harbour (truly the City Of Sails). And then a nostalgic visit
to the spectacular New Zealand War Museum. At Rotorua the Group took in
the Thermal Reserves and Geysers, Waitomo glow worm caves and an exciting
Maori Concert and Hangi (feast). This area is volcanic in origin and is
the center of Maori, Samoan and Tongan culture, customs and art in New
Zealand. Their art is primitive but very intricate and expressive.
After a short flight to South Island via Christchurch, members enjoyed a thrilling cable car ride and unique dinner on Bob's Peak in Queenstown. The following day it was off to Milford Sound and a luncheon cruise through the sound and out into the desolute |
Tasman Sea. Up early and a full day
of travel through the breathtaking Southern Alps via hair raising Haas
Pass and Cook Mountain found us at the spectacular Fox Glacier on the west
coast. Of particular interest to the Group was an afternoon at the NZ Fighter
Pilots Museum at Wanaka. This museum has the largest collection of airworthy
aircraft in the southern hemisphere and they are in excellent shape. The
Trans-Alpine train out of Greymouth was a spectacular journey through lush
rain forest, snow capped mountains, deep gorges and across the Canterbury
Plains to Christchurch. The trip through the "Land of The Long White Cloud"
is a panoramic paradise. North Island is a stunning kaleidoscope of spectacular
See "Down Under Tour" Continued on page 4 |
| CNAG NATIONAL DIRECTORS 1999
CHAIRMAN -
Fern Philippe
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I'm back !!! For personal reasons Ron Bosquet was unable to continue as President of Hampton Gray and therefore was unable to fill the office of National President. As no great hordes of volunteers came forth, I threw my hat into the ring for one more year. Our sixth year as CNAG Headquarters is coming to a close with the Sea King Chapter stepping into the breach as of November 1999. Our two terms have seen some development in the formulation of the Deceased List into a computer database, an expanded version of "Across the Flight Deck" and a 1996 re-issue of our constitution. Also we have moved into the electronic age by creating a CNAG Web site (home page), and a condolence card will be available soon. I have considered it an honor and priviledge to serve as National President for 1998 and 1999 and I will continue to serve in any capacity to perpetuate the traditions of the Canadian Naval Air Arm. |
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| ACROSS THE FLIGHT DECK is published
by CNAG
National for the Canadian Naval Air Community. Editor: Bob Mofford Associate Editor: Leo Pettipas Data Input: Jane Vockrodt Desktop Published by: Appendix Publishing Inc. Printing: Doculink Inc. Distribution: 550 The views expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of CNAG or the Editors but of the authors of the articles. If you have any comments or suggestions as to format or content, please direct them to: Across the Flightdeck c/o CNAG National Secretary/Treasurer 1999 - c/o Paul Baiden 702 Clearcrest Cr. Orleans, Ontario, K4A 3E6 |
This is the last edition of "Across the Flightdeck" that I will be involved in as Editor. I have enjoyed the challenge of publishing the last eight newsletters for the CNAG National Chapter. I wish to thank Leo Pettipas for his editing support, Steve Beaudot of Appendix Publishing for their desktopping contribution, and Carol Lynch and Jane Vockrodt for their data input and format expertise. Of course, thanks to all of you who contributed articles and suggestions to this our newsletter. I know the newsletter will continue to grow under the guidance of Sea King Chapter who assume the responsibilities of National Chapter on November 1, 1999. Bob Mofford |
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I just read Across the Flightdeck for Dec. The Vancouver Sun article on the back page struck me. I was in Warrior at Pat Bay with 825 Sqdn. when we lost Lt. Comdr. Tattersall and Lt. Gavel. Just seeing the picture brought back a lot of faces and names. This is one memory that does not get out too often. As I remember, it shook us up as it was just before or after Christmas. Some of us went out with the search parties or worked on the planes that searched. All of us were quiet as we tried to figure out in our minds what had happened. In one way it made the squadron a bit closer. I enjoy reading Flightdeck when I can get it. The stories and pictures are very well done and interesting and bring back many hot, medium and cold memories, and some second guessing, many laughs and some tears. It's all gone now, but at least I was part of it, and hope I will be remembered with a smile. The paper is well worth reading. Keep it up. Lots of spillers and sippers, Ozzie Osgood
Editor' s note: The following briefing notes are available on the internet "http://wings.ark.com/aesop/cfsabri.html". The discussion notes have been excluded from this article to conserve space. CFC Toronto, 2 Mar 99
Refs: A. Statutes of Canada Vol
II Chap C-17
BACKGROUND 1. The Canadian Forces Superannuation Act (CFSA) is a Statute of Canada (ref A) that details what is commonly referred to as the "CF military pension". Over the past year, the Government of Canada has not fulfilled its obligation to pay the full interest charges due to the CFSA' s total account balance (ref B, pg. 1.21. note (2)). The Treasury Board is now planning on reforming the CFSA. The problem with their proposed reforms is that they will leave less money in the CFSA account and require CF members to pay more money into it. The CFSA account has been estimated by Government of Canada actuaries to be $42.487B (on 31 Mar 98), of which $12.743B (ref B, pg. 6.26) has been declared to be in excess of the amount required to operate the "military pension" programme. The CFSA account ledger from Ref B (table 6.15, pg. 6.21) is as follows: a. As of 31 Mar 98 (for FY97/98): Employee contributions $0.1388B
(3% of total paid in)
b. As of 31 Mar 97 (for FY96/97):
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2. It can be gathered
from this information that even without the FY97/98 employee or employer
contributions, the account would still have grown by $2.198B, assuming
that the Government paid the total interest due. The bottom line is that
the CFSA fund is extremely healthy. It enjoys the healthiest relative "surplus"
of all the public sector pension funds.
3. In FY 97/98, the CFSA account was credited with $3.908B in interest payments, but only $2.658B in interest was actually paid (Ref B, table 6.13, pg. 6.20). The difference of $1.25B is equal to the interest not paid on the declared "excess", an amount equal to 9.9% of $12.743B. The Public Accounts of Canada, page 6.26 states, "As a result of annual actuarial valuations for accounting purposes, the liability for public sector pensions was found to be … an excess of $12.743B related to the Canadian Forces pension plan". As of 1 Apr 97, the Treasury Board unilaterally decided to no longer pay interest on what they considered to be the "excess" amount. This is contrary to the CFSA para 55(1) which states that "there shall be credited to the Superannuation Account in each fiscal year … (b) an amount representing interest on the balance from time to time to the credit of the Account …". This should be the total balance, not the total balance less the "actuarial excess". In FY 97/98, 9.9% interest was paid only on $27B ($39.747B total minus the $12.743B actuarial excess) or $2.65B. 4. The current combined monthly maximum amount deducted from all CF personnel pay for CPP and CFSA contributions is 7.5%. When the CPP rate is raised or lowered, the difference between the CPP payment and the 7.5% maximum is paid into the CFSA. Thus, when CPP payments go up, CFSA contributions are reduced. The government still receives the 7.5% payment from each member; it is just accounted for in a different proportion to the CPP and CFSA accounts. AIM 5. To review recent Federal Government actions regarding the CFSA, to identify specific problems with the Treasury Board’ s proposed changes and to make recommendations for action.
The SAM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the DND. Its budget, including salaries, originates with Federal tax dollars. As an agent of the Crown, it is subject to certain benefits and certain restrictions. One of the latter is that its staff is not permitted to "go public" to raise or solicit funds. Hence, the Foundation. The SAMF was created to provide an "arms-length" fund-raising agency for SAM without SAM’ s direct participation. The Foundation is incorporated under the Statutes of Nova Scotia and maintains an identity quite separate from SAM. All donations, bequests, memorials, and other forms of financial support for the Foundation’ s activities should be made payable to the SAMF because the SAM is not raising funds for the new museum building - the Foundation is. If these donations are made to the SAM, then they must be sent for deposit to the Foundation. The SAM would like to avoid this extra handling. We therefore request that you please ensure all donations are made payable and forwarded to the SAM Foundation. |
| "DOWN UNDER TOUR" continued
from page 4
harbours, volcanos, steaming thermals & mud pools, spouting geysers and lush rain forests. South Island is a panorama of majestic mountain ranges and fjords, glaciers, crystal lakes, vineyards and mile after mile of vast green meadows. The weather was cool at times but the "Kiwis" are a warm and friendly people who made us feel welcome wherever we travelled. Australia, land of the Emus and ’Roos now awaited the Group and Melbourne, home of world famous Botanical Conservatory, was the first stop. This is a city steeped in the Victorian Tradition where one can see a unique mixture of Gothic, Roman and Greek architecture as they "Jangle" through the streets in an historic refurbished Restaurant Tram Car enjoying a delicious meal. Nearby Phillips Island is the home of the unique Penguin Parade where every evening
at dusk, the
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world's smallest penguins walk from the
seashore to their dens in the sand dunes to the thrill and amazement of
visitors
A quick trip through the agricultural regions of Victoria and New South Wales found the Group in Canberra, Australia’ s national capital. Touring included the Australian War Museum, High Court, Parliament House, Embassy Row, and the Prime Minister's and Governor General’ s Residences. Following a visit to Mount Ainsley with its spectacular panoramic view of this planned capital city, the Group headed for their main destination - Nowra and the FAA reunion. Our Australian hosts including Fred Goodfellow, a former member of the RCN, were there to welcome us and provide event and transportation details for the FAA reunion. From the spectacular cocktail party on our arrival to the glamorous Jubilee Ball and the many BBQs until our departure on Sunday, the Group was treated to the warmest of hospitality and friendship. Bob (Windy) Geale was the perfect host as he provided a personal tour of the Australian Naval Aviation Museum of which he is justifiably proud to be the Curator. The Aussies have done a great job at ANAM and hopefully Shearwater can emulate their achievements in the not too distant future. At official ceremonies on Friday, Gene (Buck) Rogers made a presentation of the Swordfish print to the FAA on behalf of the Canadian Naval Air Group, and John Eden read a message of congratulations from the Canadian Government. All too soon moist eyed farewells were being said and the coach was off to Sydney via Bondi Beach and Botany Bay. A three day city visit included the historic "Rocks", the imposing Sydney Opera House, the Bounty, the Queen Victoria Building (Austalia's answer to Harrods of London), the beautiful Botanical Gardens and a luncheon cruise on spectacular Sydney harbour. There was much to see and do in Sydney and the gals found lots of bargains and suitcases began to bulge ominously. A beautiful city which will host the 2000 Summer Olympics See "DOWN UNDER TOUR" continued on page 5 .
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| . Next came a short visit
to Cairns (pronounced CANS by locals) in tropical North Queensland where
the Group were lodged in spectacular Righa Colonial Resort. A delicious
fresh fruit breakfast at Freshwater Station was followed by another hair
raising ride on a narrow gauge train to charming Kuanda. Here the Group
enjoyed an amphibious army DUCW ride into the towering rain forest, an
authentic aboriginal cultural performance and a "Dreamwalk" with an aboriginal
guide where one could see and touch koalas and kangaroos and learn how
to throw a boomerang. The return to Cairns was via Skyrail, the longest
gondola ride in the world (7.5 kms) across the rain forest canopy some
300 metres below. A truly fabulous experience which allowed passengers
to see for tens of Sydney
Opera House miles
in any direction.
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Dinner on Bob's Peak Queenstown, New Zealand Catamaran Quicksilver out of Port Douglas provided quick access to Agincourt Reef, one of the ribbon reefs on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here the Group was able to snorkel, skin dive and view the abundant and colourful sea life of the Coral Sea from the underwater observatory or semi-submersible submarine. One of the most pleasant and relaxing days of the entire tour. On to Brisbane on the Gold Coast and another quick catamaran ride to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. After a restful night at the luxurious 5 star Kingfisher Bay Resort, it was off on a tour of the island including views See "DOWN UNDER TOUR" continued on page 6
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| "DOWN UNDER TOUR" continued
from page 5
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tour of the island including
views of a constantly changing mosaic of sand dunes, crystal clear lakes
and streams, towering luxuriant rain forests and beaches that stretch for
miles. Wildlife abounds on the island and at the Lake MacKenzie luncheon
stop a wild Dingo was observed stealing a young lady’ s shoe. Yes ... she
got it back.
The final day in Australia found the Group at the world famous Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane. Here members cuddled a koala, met wombats, kangaroos, emus, flying foxes and many other indigenous animals. It was here that many realized what a large and diverse land Australia is and how much the Aussies have in common with Canada and her people. Time was now flying by as we embarked on an Air New Zealand 747 for the short flight to Auckland. An evening layover and then another 8 hour flight to Honolulu, crossing the International Date Line to regain the day we had lost 26 days before. This segment generated some excitement as it was a daytime flight and we were all awake for the crossing of both the Equator and the Date Line. The last day of the official tour saw the
Group touring Oahu (Gathering Place) with the first stop at the Arizona
Memorial in Pearl Harbor where 1177 sailors including 3 Canadians are entombed
in the sunken battleship. As the date was November 11, many members tossed
their Leis into the murky waters at the memorial in memory of fallen comrades.
There followed a tour of Paui Lookout with it's panoramic view of the island
and "The Punch Bowl Military Cemetery. That evening the group attended
a Farewell Luau at Paradise Cove where they sipped on Mai Tais and enjoyed
a very colourful and, at times, spectacular display of Polynesian culture
and music.
See "DOWN UNDER TOUR" continued on page 8  Left to Right - (Dorthy Casement, Lillian Eden) |
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Editor's note: The following e-mail responses were exchanged on the internet, via NAVAIRGEN@nsdev.org. These are but a few of the many comments dealing with the changes to the traditional "Navy Toast of the Day". 1.Subj: [NAVAIRGEN] Toasts of the Day
Dave Tate ************************************ Subj: [NAVAIRGEN] Toasts of the Day
Referring to Dave Tate's query, I am sad
to submit the following, quoted from an article by Bill Kinsman in the
April 1999 issue of "Lead and Line", the Vancouver Island NOAC newsletter.
Monday "Our ships"
On a personal note, I wonder when Amendment List 1 will appear to more clearly extend Saturday's toast to reflect same gender spouses and non-traditional families? O tempora, o mores! ************************************ Subj: [NAVAIRGEN] Toasts of the Day
Hi Dave, Don Knight sends "Wives and Sweethearts".
How often did we find ourselves in some type of turmoil over this "toast"?
I have to agree with Jim McCaffery, times have changed, not to be forgotten,
just remembered. The revised toasts reflect "our new navy". Let's give
this new tradition our support. Ready Aye Ready: Don K.
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Subj: [NAVAIRGEN] Naval Toasts
Date: 4/26/99
The Naval Board's decision to alter the traditional Naval Toasts was, apparently, made on the basis that various wording reflected aggressiveness, sexism and an obsession with promotion (particularly among the officer corps) and, therefore, did not reflect the true Canadian identity and sense of values. New toasts were decreed and these introduced words such as "Sailors", "Families", "Nation" and "Navy", but retained the word "Friends". If the board had nothing better to do than review naval customs, and try to fix things that were not broken, it could have at least taken the time to do it properly. There is nothing distinctively Canadian in the aforementioned wording. Every country can identify in one way or another with such bland and uninspiring terminology. If a unique national identity is necessary, what is required are toasts which will arouse the Canadian patriotic psyche to a level of passion and inspiration to defend against any threat, without ruining our international image of being kind and gentle folk. Therefore, consideration should be given to the following toasts which are unquestionably Canadian in all respects. Although some may argue that the toast for Saturday has an aggressive connotation, its unmistakable national identity outweighs all else. Monday - The Beaver Le Castor
These toasts lend themselves to either the introductory words "Here's To", or "Vive", and are deemed politically correct. They are submitted as a reminder that the ghost Paul Hellyer lives. We are also reminded of why Admiral Landymore resigned. Faithfully Yours, (Formerly "Yours Aye") Jack ************************************ Subj: [NAVAIRGEN] Old Toasts
Like most naval officers I of course know them off by heart, we seem to use them a lot of nights in Florida just to add a little levity and a lot of naval couth to our parties, and invariably those that have never heard them are fascinated, involving long and drawn out explanations, coloured to be sure to suit the audience, but they do seem to take a great interest in Thursday and Friday (the former used by Lawrence in his great naval book on the Atlantic Battles of WWII, and the latter more recently by one Horatio Hornblower, he bravely sinking everything in sight!) So, they are: Monday Our Ships (at sea optional)
I liked them much better, they were tradition for a reason, the new ones smack of a lot of motherhood, and not having to use them, I will stick to the old ones! Hope this helps. Gord Edwards |
| "DOWN UNDER TOUR" continued
from page 6
Three days of free time and then the Group held their own farewell dinner to bid adieu to old buddies and new friends who had enjoyed the mutual pleasure of each other’ s company for 31 days. All agreed that the most outstanding feature of the tour had been the unbelievable compatibility of the group - 36 men and women from their middle 50’ s to late 70’ s who had made an incredible and unforgettable Trip Of A Lifetime together. Of particular pride is the fact that the Group handed out over 1450 Canadian flag lapel pins during the 30,000 km tour and distributing over 450 Canadian flags, mostly to children on the parade route in Nowra. There is little doubt that these CNAG members made a distinct and lasting impression with the "Aussie" FAA members and undoubtably everyone else that they met "Down Under". John & Lillian Eden Tour Coordinators and Escorts |
Auckland Harbour Cruise-Day 2, 18 Oct 1998 |
| Where….?
When….? Who…?
From the DEC 98 "Across the Flightdeck"
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