This is where leadership matters the most. About 33 percent of sea-days are spent on overseas and national contingency operations or patrols representing Canada or enforcing Canadian laws and regulations in our coastal zones. The standard of Commanding Officers and Formation Commanders is high. Miller, as Commander of the Combat Logistics Force in the Gulf Crisis and War, was the only non-USN officer to be chosen to command an allied naval formation. Art Vey, Task Group Commander off Haiti, was the only non- American asked to return to command the UN Task Group over British, French, Dutch or Argentinean naval commanders.
Competence is assumed and is usually forthcoming.
The sailors expect their officers to produce the tools to do the job. Although not within the Navy's exclusive powers to accomplish, the new fleet has been delivered. There is no question that the sailors are proud of what they are doing and consider it worthwhile. Except for submariners and fleet helicopter airmen and women they are motivated by new ships and equipment, although the submariners and helicopter air and flight deck crews, for the time being, take a perverse pride in keeping old gear operational and safe. The naval reserves are happy with their coastal role and the new coastal defence vessels.