By Dr. Ann Griffiths, 18 April 2024
This spring issue marks 20 years of producing Canadian Naval Review. How time flies! It seems like just yesterday we started this journey – but it’s been 20 years and we still haven’t run out of interesting things to discuss in CNR. We’re a bit biased, but we think this issue is another great one. Prepare to be amazed and delighted!
In this issue, we’re very pleased to present an interview with Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz that took place at the end of January. CNR Editor Ann Griffiths sat down and had a great chat with the Admiral, discussing everything from budgets to RCN priorities to personnel to assets to tampons in the men’s washrooms. Our first article, “A Case Study on the Creation and Use of a Bridge Simulator,” is an inspiring story about what you can do if you have the determination, energy and enthusiasm to do it. Read this and you can learn about building your own simulated bridge simulator for $30,000! This article goes well with the Editorial for this issue which is also about bridge simulators. Our next article is a nod to the 100th birthday of the RCAF, entitled “The Influence of the RCAF on the RCN (Air Branch).” The article examines the historic interaction – which was not always amicable – and development of the relations between the RCN and RCAF.
In this issue we also have a smorgasbord of tasty Making Wave commentaries. We learn about: RCN recruitment and suggestions for its improvement; how utilizing uncrewed vehicles may be more challenging for Canada than for other countries; the problems of procurement; a suggestion that Canada should join the AUKUS submarine deal; and the future prospects of naval task groups as the CSCs are built. As well, we have our usual columns. We know what Russia is doing in its West (i.e., invading/attacking Ukraine!), but what about the territories on its Pacific coast? And we learn that, despite recent news of some extra funding for the military, Canada is nonetheless in NATO’s ‘quadrant of shame.’
Naturally, there are amazing photos to illustrate everything! We have no doubt that you will find this issue insightful and engaging. See the Table of Contents below.
Table of Contents
Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Editorial: Bridge Simulators and the RCN – by Michele Tessier
Interview with Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz
A Case Study on the Creation and Use of a Bridge Simulator – by Sub-Lieutenant Donald Figol
The Influence of the RCAF on the RCN (Air Branch) – by Colonel (Ret’d) John Orr
Making Waves
Why is the RCN Facing Recruitment Issues? – by Jane Nighswander
Uncrewed Vehicles: ‘The Devil is in the Details’ – by Major (Ret’d) Les Mader
Canada’s Malaise in Acquiring Military Equipment for the Armed Forces – by Jeff G. Gilmour
Canada Should Join Partnership to Acquire Submarines – by Roger Cyr
The Canadian Surface Combatant and the Naval Task Group: Future Prospects – by Dan Middlemiss
A View from the West: Russia’s Pacific Territories: Isolated, Neglected and Strategically Valuable – by Dan Baart
Dollars and Sense: Canada has Entered NATO’s Quadrant of Shame – by Dave Perry
Warship Developments: Snippets – by Doug Thomas
Book Reviews