5 Comments
User's avatar
Colin's avatar

CCG is a responsible fleet owner that follows commercial rules regarding the state of their ships going to sea. I am not sure if the RCN is ready to deal with that level of responsibility and making sure that the frigates don't sail with a long list of deficiencies.

All joking aside I am ex-CCG and remember the angst about the move to DFO from Transport. This move will be a deeply dumb idea, dreamed up by people wanting to meet the 2% GDP on the cheap with little knowledge of what the CCG actually do. You can still lightly arm the CCG and keep it with DFO, but increase the Constabulary role as well.

Expand full comment
Ted Barnes's avatar

The only real change will most likely be the addition of communication and sensor equipment to CCG platforms to allow DND to access that data to build the maritime picture. The only concern I can see is what happens to a formerly neutral CCG ship if they encounter an adversary as they now are part of intelligence gathering for the military.

Expand full comment
Doug Banks's avatar

I imagine they would do the same as if a currently equipped AOPS encountered an actual adversary. Call DND-911.

Expand full comment
Doug Banks's avatar

If wr wanted to think a bit further out of the box ... could CG form a paramilitary wing that, perhaps like the RN Auxilary, provides more explicit support to CAF?

Down thxcroad, would there be any value in contemplating a new subcommand to combine the CAF airborne SAR function with the CG maritime SAR function? If we acquire 12 submarines, we really ought to have an artic-capable submarine rescue capability.

Expand full comment
Doug Banks's avatar

Adding sensir/comms functionality to relevant CG platforms makes sense and was specifically mentioned by the Liberals during the campaign.

There may be more specific opportunities with the 2 upcoming polar icebreakers and 6 planned project icebreakers. They could be "fitted for" limited surface warfare or AAW/anti-drone capability if one got inventive. If we need year-round persistent sensor presence in the Artic, they could pitch in.

I've also read casual suggestions there could be opportunity to create/enhance protocols/processes for CAF boarding and/or RCMP maritime enforcement detachment to leverage CG vessels in certain scenarios.

Inserting to ponder how to leverage potential new capabilities while (hopefully) disturbing as little else within the CG as possible.

Expand full comment