Christmas In The Gulf Part One

Well the Christmas whirlwind has come and gone, and I am left with ruffled hair, far too many goodies to snack on and a huge grin on my face! It sounds strange to say, but I experienced the same amount of stress with the approaching Christmas Day festivities that I would have at home – granted I wasn’t expected to put on a turkey dinner or brave the last minute shopping trials of the local mall. I must admit that the holiday was a blast though… I wasn’t expecting to have my Christmas at sea peppered with so much laughter and good cheer. The old adage is true, “it is what you make of it” and I was sure to go all out. December 23rd saw the well wishes from Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, Rick Mercer and Mary Walsh, imparted to us under the warm Arabian sun out on the ship’s flight deck. Our choir was encouraged to sing 2 Christmas carols for the guests, which went quite well considering we were given 30 minutes to shoot out of bed, shower, dress, pop some cold medication and form up with our song books. It was with this gunshot start that I started my Christmas celebrations. I received my first gift from General Hillier, with the presentation of the CDS Coin for recognition of my duties and demeanor in the Engineering Department… I was stunned, both due to my surprise at the award and my being called to the front of the crowd with “Able Seaman Hipfner.” You see, I had just recently found out that when the Queen addresses a military member during a parade, for example, whatever rank she uses (whether correct or not) is considered law. You are immediately promoted (or demoted) to the rank she addresses you with; she is after all the highest-ranking military member in the country. I was now concerned that the Chief of Defence Staff might also hold this same sort of clout. Did this now mean I had been demoted from Leading Seaman to Able Seaman? Well geez, as long as I got to keep the pay increase I guess it wouldn’t be so bad… These thoughts were interrupted by the laughter that ensued and the promises of a free beer. This is another Navy tradition, every time a fellow sailor calls you by the wrong rank they are obligated to buy you a beer. I didn’t see the beer, but I did walk away with my CDS Coin and my Leading Seaman rank. After the speeches and presentations, I was lucky enough to speak with Mary Walsh – what a fantastically funny, and down-to-earth woman. We took a few photos together, thanks to my Chief who tracked me down with his camera, after holding Mary hostage. The Chief was right when he said it had to be done as this was yet another great “Blog-able Incident.” I ended the day with confirming my reservations with “Chateau Sickbay.” I was assured by the ship’s Doc that I would be made very comfortable for my stay during the transit home. There will be no scrimping on the Gravol doses and numerous movies will be provided should I have the energy to enjoy them. I’m telling you, I’m spoiled! Christmas Eve came with the handing out of incredibly generous backpacks filled with all sorts of goodies from an organization in Ottawa, Ontario called “Home Fires.” It is a group of volunteers made up mostly of military families that put together gifts for all the deployed sailors, soldiers and airmen and women overseas. I was overwhelmed by the sentiment of the gifts. To think so many people had taken the time to send us books, Tim Horton’s coffee, chocolates, letters and cards is enough to make even the “Grinchiest” of us feel the spirit of Christmas. It means a lot to been shown Canadians’ support of us in such an abundant and giving way. Our Christmas concert went off with a bang… and I think everyone is a little wiser about just how much of a ham I can be if you give me a microphone and an audience. I spent the entire time, boogying to the music and singing my heart out for my adoring fans. I was pretty much wired after the who experience, so I took the opportunity to sit on the flight deck and watch the enormous projection of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, until I felt calm enough to wander off to bed. Twenty-Five years on this planet has taught me that if you’re not in bed Christmas Eve, don’t expect Santa to make his appearance. Luckily my momentary lapse in judgment didn’t cost me any presents, as I had forgotten to leave out cookies and milk for the Big Guy. I fell asleep dreaming of Christmas’ past, a grin from ear to ear.

Chief of Defence Staff & Rick Mercer

We have welcomed a number of distinguished guests to OTTAWA this evening, including Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff and Rick Mercer and Mary Walsh from This Hour Has 22 Minutes. The Captain announced this morning, over the sounds of showers and teeth brushing, that we would be treated to the comedy stylings of Canada’s much loved comedians and General Hillier, Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, as well as a number of media personnel. They will be staying with us, laughing with us, and eating with us until tomorrow afternoon. The Junior Ranks (that’s me) are lucky enough to be hosting Rick Mercer in our Mess tonight… hopefully he’ll be able to make us all laugh – cause we sure could use it! Over dinner the Captain, declared our route home. We have been waiting since we slipped the lines in Esquimalt back in September to find out our route of return… But when the Captain spoke those ominous words, the silence was almost deafening. We will be returning the way we came, in that we will be taking the Pacific Route home. However, we will not be going to the same ports. Instead we will be stopping in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dutch Harbor, and then Victoria. The moment the Captain said we were going up to Japan, I knew something wasn’t quite right. “Dutch Harbor” rang some bells, but I couldn’t quite recall where I had heard that name before… until someone piped up with the missing piece of that turbulent puzzle, “You know, where they film that TV show, ‘World’s Deadliest Catch.’” If you haven’t heard of this show, it is a reality program giving viewers “an inside look at the forty-foot waves, freezing temperatures and 700 pound king crab pots of one of the world's deadliest jobs.” I don’t think I have to elaborate much more as to the extent of my terror. I am trying hard not to let the impending doom of the Bering Sea dampen my spirits towards the ports to come – but COME ON!! The only positives that I have managed to muster are A) At least I will be able to claim I’ve sailed it all, with sea states as dangerous as this, B) I will now know what it is like to be on IV, and C) This will be one hell of a weight loss program, just in time for my homecoming. The only comfort has been double edged. I am not alone in my fears, as many of my bosses are getting rather nervous about this “change of plans” too… the only trouble is, if we are all sick, who will take care of us?? Time for the healing powers of comedy…

Opps!

My mistake. The program will be aired at 6:30 local time, where ever you happen to be tuning in. "As It Happens" is a national show... therefore it plays at 6:30 in each respective city. Sorry guys!

CBC Radio Interview To Be Aired

Great News Everyone! A few of us choir members onboard have sung a Christmas Carole for CBC Radio One's "As It Happens" show. Then I was interviewed, as well as Gilles LeBlanc (our senior clerk onboard). The show will be played tomorrow (Friday) evening at 6:30pm (Victoria Time)... as well as online (Mom). Here is a link to the website: http://www.radio.cbc.ca/programs/asithappens/ The interview was a spur of the moment event, so I was trying desperately not to forget anyone when wishing people a Merry Christmas... unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I referred to Kevin as "my boyfriend in Victoria" - OPPS! Vague, or what? And only sent greetings out to Mom in Holland, rather than Kees and Iris as well. I suppose my nerves got the better of me. But I'm sure you all know who is loved and missed! Happy listening!

Persian Gulf Serenades

I have just participated in our Christmas Choir’s first practice that was held on the flight deck. For starters, there aren’t many people who can say they’ve sung Christmas carols on the flight deck of a warship, but we were practicing our scales while the helicopter (Sea King) was being scrubbed down after her last patrol flight. The backdrop was the choppy seas of the Persian Gulf, the horizon only broken by the occasional silhouette of an offshore oil rig. There is something to be said about belting out “The First Noel” in 24 degree heat at dusk on the open water. Is it silly that the solitary orange flames kissing the evening sky from that huge rig in the distance actually made me think of Stony Plain? Maybe being on the other side of the world really isn’t all that far away after all.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

The snow banks of discarded wrapping paper and newspaper fillings have all melted, but the Christmas lights and serenades of Bing still echo through the flats each night. We may not be spending Christmas with those we love most, but there seems to be a firm resolve amoungst the majority of sailors that we will have a Merry Christmas still. I have taken on the role of Christmas Elf, decorating the Engineering office with salvaged garland and borrowed lights… my latest edition is a donated stocking that hangs above my desk filled with chocolates to reward those curious enough to snoop. The twinkling lights have already done a disappearing act that lasted 2 dim nights… the bulbs return was secured with the bribe of 2 Reese Peanut Butter Cookies – only one was lost to calloused Stoker sausage-fingers (We’re still awaiting the reappearance of the garland). I also assisted one of the Hull Techs in “re-wallpapering” the bulkhead outside of the Engineering Workshop. He had received letters and handmade Christmas cards from a school in Lake Cowichan (about 1 hour north of Victoria), thanks to the Christmas spirit of a little girl he knows through horse lessons named Grace. She managed to spark the fire of Christmas cheer in her class, and her older sister spread the idea on to the older grades. There are 49 letters from kids in grades 10 to 12 and lots of drawings from the kindergarten kids up to grade 3. What an uplifting experience to tape each one of these gifts up for all to see. I immediately had an idea while decorating. I asked Vince (the Hull Tech) if he would mind if we gave the crew the opportunity to write back to some of the letters. Vince thought it was a great idea and graciously allowed my inner “control freak” take the reigns and put the plan in motion. I numbered each letter and posted a sign up sheet for all interested to sign up to reply to the particular letter that spoke to them. The feedback was overwhelming… so far about half of the letters have been taken and interest is still growing. We’re even trying to see if we can arrange a visit to the school when we get back to Victoria to thank the kids and show them some photos and video of our trip, for all interested crew. It is definitely making this time of year a lot more joyous and special! The Christmas Cold Fairy also made an early visit… and although I managed to hold out until 2 days ago, I too succumbed to her mystical “fairy dust.” I’m currently engaged in the endless clogged nostril tango – you know, one minute the right one is your sweet avenue to air, you briefly experience that glorious moment of dual air intake, only to be crushed by the re-clogging of now the left nostril. I am stretching my medicinal skills though, concocting various combinations of decongestants and runny nose stoppers… I am still confident I am winning the war, if not each battle. I am thrilled to report that I was the proud recipient of 3 parcels and one Christmas Card/Letter upon our arrival in Muscat, Oman. I loved my card from my Oma… it’s funny, but just receiving one of her cards, with each bit of free white space filled up with her neat writing, made me feel like I was at home – although no one listened to what I read quite as intently as Kevin or my brother Mike would have. My Mom sent me the missing ingredient of a true Christmas – TWO Dutch Chocolate letters (C, of course), which were quickly envied by all who saw them… they are safely locked away in my locker as we speak. She also enclosed pictures (now posted above my head in my rack (bunk) and an “order,” for a pair of animal print stilettos – which I have been showing everyone (you now have 250 sailors looking for your shoes, Mom… most of them are male, mind you, but I have faith!). Dad sent me the biggest of the parcels… to which was enclosed a card and several wrapped presents. I’m waiting until Christmas morning to open those – come on, I have to. They’re wrapped! The best part of that parcel, so far, is that the address was all written out in Dad’s handwriting, I was pretty touched by that little extra! I was also thrilled to see that Mary Ellen had sent me a package too. It was absolutely perfect, she sent a snowman ornament that looks as though it was carved out of wood (my favorite) and a little Christmas tree and tree ornament that spells out “PEACE” (that was my favorite part!). I think the Christmas cake you sent, Mary Ellen, might land me a few favors, as the Chief is a huge fan of fruitcake, and an even bigger fan of rum! Thank you so much for sending these gifts. I felt so special to have received mail, let alone presents and edibles! I have also volunteered to be in the Christmas choir. We will be starting our practices on the 18th and will be performing for the crew on Christmas Eve, after which there will be a showing of a Christmas movie on the flight deck (it will be projected on the hangar door)… our own version of a drive in flick. I’ll let you know how it turns out. I have been told I will have a special part in one of the songs we’re singing, not sure what yet, but the song is called Christmas Shoes. Wow, Google it to read the lyrics, real tear jerker. As it seems my cold meds are starting to wear off, I’ll wait to tell you all about our Muscat, Oman port visit; or Manama City, Bahrain port visit; or my VIP Luncheon with the American Commander of the Persian Gulf (yes, this is the second luncheon I’ve gotten to attend). Are you curious yet?

"Corrina In The News"

Hello Everyone! Just a quick note to pass on a warm fuzzy that has been imparted on to me. The following is a link to an article that ran in the Chronicle Herald in Halifax, Nova Scotia that used a picture of me. http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/545100.html I was also told by the Public Affairs Officer onboard that my Remembrance Day message was played on A Channel in Victoria. The icing on the media cake is that my name is flying all over Ottawa (the "DND Headquarters") for a reply I wrote to a young girl in London, Ontario who sent her questions and well wishes to deployed soldiers and sailors. The message appears on a Canadian Military Message To The Troops website. I hope to write soon - things have just been rather hectic here lately... as soon as the calm arrives after this storm of activity I will tell you all about it.

Rough Seas, Rougher Sleep!

I went to bed last night simply to endure ridiculous tossing and turning as the boat raced through the waters. I was left cursing the young officer at the helm who was, no doubt, driving her like he stole her, cause “Daddy” wasn’t watching. Judging by the irritated sighs and mumbles coming from the curtains of my fellow mess mates, I wasn’t the only one trying to get some sleep, or simply keep from falling out of my cart (bed). The frustration stemmed from the fact that we were back to patrolling in “the box” and there was no reason for this sort of speed or maneuvering unless we were on our way to investigate another suspected terrorist involved boat. That’s when the pipe was made over the main broadcast for the SAR Team to muster in the Wardroom. This is our ship’s “Search And Rescue” team. Uh, oh! I was left lying there for the next 5 minutes wondering what the heck was going on and if I had heard the pipe correctly. The next voice that broke the silence was the XO’s urgent and worry filled voice telling the crew that we were racing towards an Indian cargo ship that had sent out a distress call as it was taking on water quickly. We were about half an hour away from their position, so this explained the crazy driving and speed. When our ship arrived, the Indian vessel was already sitting with 5 feet of water in her belly and was quickly taking on more. I was told that the ship was made of a wooden hull that had suffered a few boards splitting on her. We quickly sent out our boarding team along with various flood fighting tools and pumps. The rest of the crew rushed about preparing for the possible arrival of ship-less sailors, gathering blankets, food and warm drinks. Our boys put up a good fight, but in the end it was realized that we were only succeeding in delaying the inevitable. The decision was made to evacuate the ship and all of her 18 personnel. After about 1 hour of escaping the sinking mass, the ship turned over and quickly gave up her fight, swallowed by the oceans waves in the pitch-black night. It was really quite eerie to watch this ship go under and realize how easily the roles could have been reversed. We now had 18 men who barely spoke English in our care, as the red tape tango began between our ship and the various governments ashore. It is really a rather extensive endeavor to attempt to gain permission to land rescued sailors. Paperwork must all be in order, and we must ensure we do not enter any territorial waters without the express permission of the Country in question. Come 4 in the afternoon, after much communication with government officials and lots of Canadian hospitality, the Coast Guard picked up the Indian crew. I think I speak for all of us onboard when I say that we all are feeling a sense of pride and purpose after this endeavor. These are 18 real lives that we managed to save just by being out here. To me, this victory holds more water than all the patrolling and boardings thus far. I feel like we really are making our country proud. So yes, in case you were as worried as my Mom was, I am in a much better mood than I was when I wrote my last post. Since I wrote “Sailing Blahs” I have received enormous support both from readers and from fellow sailors onboard, who all agreed that I had not crossed any lines and should keep writing. I am also feeling much refreshed after my 3 days off in Muscat, Oman… fortunately the effects of which have not yet worn off. So, please check in for my telling of my Muscat port adventures! Until then, thank you for all the support guys… it’s kept my spirits up and given me the strength to keep on typing.