Sub-Lieutenant Teri Reil of the Canadian Navy has been aboard the HMCS Charlottetown since March 23rd, working with Canada’s NATO allies to enforce a maritime arms embargo off the coast of Libya.
The Crowsnest Pass native is just one of hundreds who are working to protect civilians in populated areas by preventing illicit shipments of arms, munitions, military vehicles, and materiel from reaching the region.
“In the relatively short time we have been operating in the Mediterranean Sea, we have seen much progress as NATO and allied forces continue to achieve their goals,” said Reil in an email interview with the Pass Herald while aboard the HMCS Charlottetown.
“In March, the (Muammar) Gaddafi regime was unrestrained in its use of military force against civilians,” she said. “By imposing a ‘No Fly Zone’ and an arms embargo, NATO has seriously reduced the capacity of pro-Gaddafi forces to attack their own population.”
“HMCS Charlottetown has been active in defending the port of Misrata from attacks on land and sea, while facilitating the safe passage for humanitarian assistance into Libya.”
She added that this is her first mission at sea, and that she hopes to have the opportunity to experience other missions throughout her career.
In her role as Phase VI Marine Systems Engineering Officer, Reil is currently completing the “at sea” phase of her technical training.
“Right now I am responsible for learning all of the systems in the ship relating to the propulsion plant, the electrical plant, and their auxiliary systems,” she said. “I am also responsible for learning about damage control and stability – for example, if the ship were to take a damage resulting in flooding and fires, the damage control organization is responsible for stopping the ingress of water and fighting the fires.”
The crew left Halifax on March 2nd, and while they do not have a firm return date, Reil said they are prepared to remain operational for six months, a typical duration for naval deployments.