This is a slightly updated version as a majority of this was written shortly after President Trump took office and I gathered my notes to produce this rather shoddy affair. But if you're interested in Arctic Sovereignty, then this might tickle your fancy. Grab a detailed map of Northern Canada to help you trudge through the details.
ELW Dec30/25
I've been sitting on this topic in my mind for about the past 10 years or so. It really bothers me that my fellow soldiers and I served, fought, bled and partied to keep our lands free and open, but now fear that two major powers, Russia and the USA, may actually want to control the Canadian Arctic, and all it's resources.
They probably want Canada out of the way so they can divvy it up between the two of them. Don't tell this to President #47, eh?
ETA Dec30/25 I will add that the latest non-conspiracy-theory is that Trump, Putin and Zhejiang (or whatever) have their own plans. Trump gets to control all of the America's, including Greenland. Putin gets all of Europe and Middle East and Africa, and China gets all of Asia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines and Australia (as a holiday resort, I guess)
So here we go - Today's topic? Lots of debate on FaceBook and BlueSky with this latest meme.
Here's my take on the post pictured just below. I call this document a Green-Paper, because I'm turning green with illness just thinking about all this mess. I'm getting too fardlin' old for this.
Enjoy the read,
Edwin.
alterfunker@duck.com
Well, well, WELL Well well. Just WHAT have I been saying for the past 10 years!!!
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| CBSA Crest |
What
folks keep forgetting is that Europe, China, Russia, the USA and others are waiting
patiently on the sidelines to start sending super-tankers and
super-cargo ships through the Northwest Passage, soon opening up with
more loss of ice in the North, and soon may be open year round for sea
traffic to get around issues with the Panama Canal and others. Save on
fuel, time and money.
Not only that, ALL of the world's major canals have a width maximum, and most bulk-cargo ships, and even some warships (Aircraft carrier, anyone?) barely fit into these Canals.
War Planners and Commodities Agents both want larger ships to carry even more cargo per trip, and the Northwest Passage is the Answer for the Panama Canal, and possibly even the Suez Canal for Asian-Europe markets.
Imagine a crude oil carrier TWICE the width of current super-carriers? They would fit in the NW Passages! Catamaran Cruise Ships have been on the drawing boards for decades. Now they can build them. They would fit in the NW Passages.
Who needs the Canals when everyone can use Canada's Northwest Passages??? Are we losing out on the financial opportunities this could support? Or are we too much wussy's to really start thinking for ourselves?
The Americans are especially hauling on their leash to get their super-cargo ships up and over to opposite oceans without spending millions on Canal fees. I can assure you, the new President will look North if someone pokes him hard enough - and I'm suggesting President Putin will do the poking.
Who needs the Canals when everyone can use Canada's Northwest Passages??? Are we losing out on the financial opportunities this could support? Or are we too much wussy's to really start thinking for ourselves?
The Americans are especially hauling on their leash to get their super-cargo ships up and over to opposite oceans without spending millions on Canal fees. I can assure you, the new President will look North if someone pokes him hard enough - and I'm suggesting President Putin will do the poking.
So,
what I'm saying is that if Canada wants to control this region and it's traffic, Canada needs a
strong presence in the North, otherwise, some countries may bring to some
international court that the Far North be deeded to be "free land" such
as the South Pole, not belonging to anyone.
Yup,
why not just invite the Russians to come over to White Horse or Yellowknife for a beer while they are drilling up near Resolute???
Or every oil-spilling tramp ship to cruise through OUR waters, polluting along the way.
Or needing rescue/repairs/resupply - Canada will need a robust Northern Coast Guard, and they will have a hell of a long area to patrol!
Police force?
Fagetabutit
Or every oil-spilling tramp ship to cruise through OUR waters, polluting along the way.
Or needing rescue/repairs/resupply - Canada will need a robust Northern Coast Guard, and they will have a hell of a long area to patrol!
Police force?
Fagetabutit
Didja know that in 2022, Canada's Arctic Postal Code had 1,661 ships entering the Arctic waters of Canada. Non-Canadian shipping!
AND, did you know that between 2013 and 2019, shipping activity in the Arctic region grew by 25% and continues to grow. A major driver has been traffic in the Russian Arctic.
Take heed of that last paragraph, because they are slowly moving towards Canada! More on this just below a bit.
Take heed of that last paragraph, because they are slowly moving towards Canada! More on this just below a bit.
Without a presence up North, Canada is effectively saying to
the world that we don't care and come on over to use the Northern Route
for free, carry anything you want. Nuclear Subs are welcome!!! Pardon the sarcasm.
Ask yourself - What could Canada do if Russia suddenly put an ocean-going ship with deep sea drilling Rig for oil exploration. Not a platform, just a ship. They'll run a pipe to another oil tanker to fill up as required. But they are in Canadian Waters.
Ask yourself - What could Canada do if Russia suddenly put an ocean-going ship with deep sea drilling Rig for oil exploration. Not a platform, just a ship. They'll run a pipe to another oil tanker to fill up as required. But they are in Canadian Waters.
What could we do? Well, we could ask the Americans for help. Weeeeel, there is a slight problem with that. The problem is that the new American President is also a good buddy-buddy with Russia's Premier. So much so that he will do anything to access more money for his personal bank accounts.
I just fast-scanned an Op-Ed, and one of the major take-away's was that the writer thought that a Inuit-led Northern Coast Guard could have stations set up every so often to patrol the Northern Arctic. Of course, they would need a couple of boats and motors thrown onto the back.
I just fast-scanned an Op-Ed, and one of the major take-away's was that the writer thought that a Inuit-led Northern Coast Guard could have stations set up every so often to patrol the Northern Arctic. Of course, they would need a couple of boats and motors thrown onto the back.
That's about all I scanned on that particular article, however, I will use my own wits from here on out. And the thoughts I've been mellowing upon for the past 10 or so years.
I firmly believe that the Arctic Patrol Vessels need to be built strong enough to work through a few inches of ice (I'm thinking about 15cm as a minimum...) and have anti-crush hulls.
Think of a modern PT boat (Which the Swedish and Norwegians have mastered, and, incidentally, are selling...hint...hint...) The Swedes are lately pushing the "Stridsbåt 90 H(alv) (Strb 90 H; CB90)" Fast Military Assault Craft. It alone as an Littoral Fast Attack Boat in itself is impressive, however, it's capabilities are such that these boats are selling worldwide - even the USA is using them for river Patrols. Mexico, Greece, Norway are some of the other navies utilizing these boats.
As the boats are built in Sweden, it is naturally capable of arctic operations with minimal upgrading, and I believe that a custom Steel Hull (up to just above the waterline is sufficient?) to help manage the ice I mentioned above, and more Arctic Stores for SAR, recovery and First Aid. The boat alone is designed for 21 fully kitted out troops, so I think in an emergency, could handle up to as many as 30 civilians/rescuee's in cramped conditions, 25 or less in a bit more comfort.
Look it up as the CB90-Class Fast Assault Craft. Then imagine a fleet of 66 (plus some spares, so perhaps 80 ordered?) of these suckers patrolling our Arctic Waters alone. No need for massive ships, Frigates (can be on standby?) or Nuclear Icebreakers. Yeah, Canada ditched Nuclear a long time ago, and does not have the time, space, training or personnel to add on anything nuclear.
I mean, as soon as folks start sending supertankers and Super Cargo Ships thru OUR NW Passage, WE are responsible for SAR, and any other emergency assistance a ship may require while transitioning between oceans. Calling any other country other than Russia is out of the question, and really, do we WANT to call Russians to help us if there is an emergency? Or major oil spills? Who is going to pay for that?
I firmly believe that the Arctic Patrol Vessels need to be built strong enough to work through a few inches of ice (I'm thinking about 15cm as a minimum...) and have anti-crush hulls.
Think of a modern PT boat (Which the Swedish and Norwegians have mastered, and, incidentally, are selling...hint...hint...) The Swedes are lately pushing the "Stridsbåt 90 H(alv) (Strb 90 H; CB90)" Fast Military Assault Craft. It alone as an Littoral Fast Attack Boat in itself is impressive, however, it's capabilities are such that these boats are selling worldwide - even the USA is using them for river Patrols. Mexico, Greece, Norway are some of the other navies utilizing these boats.
As the boats are built in Sweden, it is naturally capable of arctic operations with minimal upgrading, and I believe that a custom Steel Hull (up to just above the waterline is sufficient?) to help manage the ice I mentioned above, and more Arctic Stores for SAR, recovery and First Aid. The boat alone is designed for 21 fully kitted out troops, so I think in an emergency, could handle up to as many as 30 civilians/rescuee's in cramped conditions, 25 or less in a bit more comfort.
Look it up as the CB90-Class Fast Assault Craft. Then imagine a fleet of 66 (plus some spares, so perhaps 80 ordered?) of these suckers patrolling our Arctic Waters alone. No need for massive ships, Frigates (can be on standby?) or Nuclear Icebreakers. Yeah, Canada ditched Nuclear a long time ago, and does not have the time, space, training or personnel to add on anything nuclear.
I mean, as soon as folks start sending supertankers and Super Cargo Ships thru OUR NW Passage, WE are responsible for SAR, and any other emergency assistance a ship may require while transitioning between oceans. Calling any other country other than Russia is out of the question, and really, do we WANT to call Russians to help us if there is an emergency? Or major oil spills? Who is going to pay for that?
While we are not exactly the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal, we can, potentially save Shipping Lines millions of dollars on each shipment by simply allowing these ships to take the Northern route to/from Asia to Europe. Much Faster, no canal fees.
But hoooold on! What do CANADIANS get out of this deal? It's OUR waters other nations are riding on. We should be COMPENSATED!
But hoooold on! What do CANADIANS get out of this deal? It's OUR waters other nations are riding on. We should be COMPENSATED!
If we are going to need to fund all these boats, then all the personnel, the training, the equipment, the Station architecture, Supply, maintenance and housing of these folks will also be required to be funded.
So, I'm thinking of 3 scattered "Main Bases" with all the amenities that then supply out to the 11 Arctic Stations where the Fast Boat Fleets are docked. They "should" be routinely resupplied via RoRo's or similar, so a year round steady supply of items is available to all the northern fleets.
ETA: Talk is of Littoral Combat Frigates with hovercraft on board for maritime patrolling. I don't know how that'll work in the Arctic, but this is a recent topic. Dec30/25
Locations for Bases suggestions such as:
♣ Banks Island. Great location to access the remote north-western areas up to the tip of the Quttinirpaaq National Park way up in the North East. Actually, the park is so far up that it's past the Magnetic North Pole on the other side of the earth.
Banks Island will be responsible for Supply and Personnel/Maintenance for 4 Stations on the Western Approaches.
♣ Iquluit on Baffin Island. Can patrol the Fox Basin/Channel and into the Hudson Bay, while also patrolling the Labrador Sea up to Baffin Bay, where the Third Station would take over. I'm thinking that by the look of Frobisher Bay leading to Iquluit may freeze over in early winter, making it a sucky idea for a station, and perhaps a more "seaside" port would be better. I don't know. Someone may. But you get the idea.
♣ While I admit I'm ignorant of the populations living in the Arctic, I do see a lot of Inuit Owned Land labels on maps showing native lands. The Inuit hamlet of Resolute (located in Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island) is one of them. I'm suggesting that the Northwest Passage will be patrolled mostly by Inuit manned "Northern Rangers Naval Security and Support Service - NRNSSS" (My idea - pass it on!) using the Fast "patrol/rescue" boats discussed earlier.
So Generally, here is my "plan of action" that I am making up right "off-the-cuff", and then we can pick it apart and look for better solutions.
[Hey! Hovercraft!!! Ice OR Water! Like the Vancouver Island CCG Station has!]
ETA Dec30/25 Oh, Hey! I did think of Hovercraft? Well done, me!
[Hey! Hovercraft!!! Ice OR Water! Like the Vancouver Island CCG Station has!]
ETA Dec30/25 Oh, Hey! I did think of Hovercraft? Well done, me!
Anyways, please use the map at Annex C at bottom as a reference to get a quick and dirty idea of potential Bases and Stations.
Remember, this is all assuming that the ice has melted enough for nearly 12 months free passage for larger vessels. [See Annex C at Bottom}
I think the two main "Super-Bases" that will supply the Northern Passage Bases should be located in St. Johns, Nfld, and Inuvik, NWT, both via land/sea links to the bases. Just thinking - an alternate port could be Halifax, as it has road/rail connections to the mainland.
So, on top of the 3 resupply Bases, I think that about a dozen Patrol Stations with provisions for a minimum of 6 months (1 year better) should be scattered throughout our Northern Areas. Crews could be rotated monthly.
I'm also thinking that the Northern Rangers could be expanded into Naval Rangers, with Naval capabilities - Training should not be too arduous as they are already used to these waters, and would probably kill to have a 2,000HP fishing boat that can go faster than 40kts, to "patrol" their areas. They could also carry provisions (paid service aka Canada Post?) to very remote work camps, and so on. I'm thinking a snowmobile would also fit on the front deck. Versions have been built with extra armour, extra electronic suites, command and control suites, more luxury for long-distance patrols, and even one with a decompression chamber for diving support!
Remember, this is all assuming that the ice has melted enough for nearly 12 months free passage for larger vessels. [See Annex C at Bottom}
I think the two main "Super-Bases" that will supply the Northern Passage Bases should be located in St. Johns, Nfld, and Inuvik, NWT, both via land/sea links to the bases. Just thinking - an alternate port could be Halifax, as it has road/rail connections to the mainland.
So, on top of the 3 resupply Bases, I think that about a dozen Patrol Stations with provisions for a minimum of 6 months (1 year better) should be scattered throughout our Northern Areas. Crews could be rotated monthly.
I'm also thinking that the Northern Rangers could be expanded into Naval Rangers, with Naval capabilities - Training should not be too arduous as they are already used to these waters, and would probably kill to have a 2,000HP fishing boat that can go faster than 40kts, to "patrol" their areas. They could also carry provisions (paid service aka Canada Post?) to very remote work camps, and so on. I'm thinking a snowmobile would also fit on the front deck. Versions have been built with extra armour, extra electronic suites, command and control suites, more luxury for long-distance patrols, and even one with a decompression chamber for diving support!
Just thinking - the Naval Rangers should have something with a bit more firepower than the bolt-action M1's or whatever they are using now. Fine and dandy for hunting, but not any self-defense capability. Get them C-7's or something newer. But don't forget the dual .50cal's for the front of the Boathouse. More below, eh?
Whatever one wants, one can get in these boats. I think it would be awesome to build them in Canada under license so we could add some Canadian "Gadgets" to the boats as well. Secret stuff, y'know. Gotta keep them Russkies off guard!
I've decided to call this new branch of the Northern Rangers the "Northern Rangers Naval Security and Support Services" which will provide security and safety to the entire Northwest Passages regions from Newfoundland to Alaska and most points North. NRNSSS . Ssssnnnnore...LOL
Whatever one wants, one can get in these boats. I think it would be awesome to build them in Canada under license so we could add some Canadian "Gadgets" to the boats as well. Secret stuff, y'know. Gotta keep them Russkies off guard!
I've decided to call this new branch of the Northern Rangers the "Northern Rangers Naval Security and Support Services" which will provide security and safety to the entire Northwest Passages regions from Newfoundland to Alaska and most points North. NRNSSS . Ssssnnnnore...LOL
I'm
thinking having the stations about 3-400km apart would be a viable range between "most" of the Stations for mutual support. The more outlying Stations should perhaps be built up with more "creature comforts" due to the long distance to any other Station or SAR. This entire constellation of Stations and Bases will range from our American Border on the North,
stretching all the way to Labrador and Newfoundland and the entrance to the Northwest
Passages.
Take a sip of coffee and think about that for a minute!
Manpower: Will be in Annex A below.
Equipment: Will be in Annex B below.
Gonna cost an arm and a leg. But hold on - as the ice melts, it opens up the Tundra and areas to be explored for minerals and petroleum. While this does sound intimidating, these already exist. Up to and including offshore oil platforms.
FFS,
It's not just the Russians. Canadians are doing this to ourselves. A
Wishy-washy government that cares not for our military, and we really need to
double it's size, quadruple the CCG, more Icebreakers (make 'em Nukes,
for cryin' out loud!!!).
I'll leave you with this.
If we don't do something about our Arctic Sovereignty,
We might as well just let Russia have it. Or sell it to the
Americans. They might still have some beads and trinkets
they didn't give to the Russians for Alaska.
As always,
Peace.
Edwin W. (IRL)
Alter Funker (FB)
Edwin W. (IRL)
Alter Funker (FB)
Annex A
Manpower Breakdown
There are Four basic types of Naval Units.
Super Base - Supply Bases for the Arctic.
Super Base - Supply Bases for the Arctic.
Arctic Base - 3 widespread Bases.
Arctic Stations - 11 widespread Stations
Arctic Detachments - 6 Detachments per Station.
Super Bases are St. John's Nfld and Inuvik NWT. These will be the land-loaded support bases with warehousing for feeding everything to the 3 manned Arctic Bases via sea-going ships such as a RoRo or Arctic-capable Ferry, or other such fast supply ships. Massive amounts will be needed to be moved initially, so think bigger rather than small. Also, initial construction will be required, strong enough to survive arctic winters if necessary.
Arctic Bases - Estimating approx 30 "permanent" daytime personnel from C3 (8), Supply, maintenance, Service Support (cooks, clerks, etc). Aircrew?
- Just to note - there is only a single shift as these folks only work 8-12hr days at most unless unloading incoming ships. Then it's all hands on deck!
- Suggest 2 month rotations with bases further south.
Arctic Stations - Each Station will require approximately 60 personnel to operate in shifts. Breakdowns are as follows:
- Suggest 1 month rotation.
- 3 Shifts of 18 persons for Boat Operations. 54.
- OC, Sr. NCO, Clerk, Supply person, Cooks x 2, 2 x NCM's (Jr Ranks), 2 mechanics for boats, vehicles, Ute's, Quads and Snow Machines, and perhaps 2 x Signallers. 12Total 66. Call it 70 and we'll carry on.
Patrol Boats, each called a "Detachment", has a crew of 3.
- Crew includes Pilot, Nav/pilot and Engineer.
- 6 Patrol Boats per Station. Six crews on station unless out on Patrol.
- Each crew is called a Det, short for Detachment.
Annex B
Essential Equipment Breakdown
SUPER-BASE:
- Large Warehousing
- Access to large loading Docks in harbour
- Civilian or military personnel or a mix would be required to administer to and support/load/deliver supplies. That's waaaay above my paygrade!
ARCTIC BASE: 1 or more month(s) personnel rotation with mainland. (Seasonal?)
- These Bases will be responsible for between 3 or 4 Stations resupply and support. See map at bottom for breakdown.
- Perhaps lodgings for some incoming flights???
- Bases will receive shipments via large seagoing cargo vessels with a floating supply load always on hand in each ship.
- Bases will break down shipments to be sent to Stations via local supply ships. Fuel will be in high demand, so extra tankage will be required for the Patrol Vessels.
- Mechanics. for boats, vehicles, Ute's, Quads and Snow Machines
- Perhaps 2 x Signallers to handle the unique communications requirements of the Arctic.
- Each Arctic Base should have it's own sea vessels, including at least one supply ship making semi-monthly deliveries to Stations.
- Each Arctic Base could perhaps in addition have some manner of a Hovercraft, as they are not only land/sea capable, they can also break ice to create a track for a stricken vessel to mover through. Used often in the St. Lawrence Seaway! Why not the Arctic?
- Perhaps each Base could have some sort of Civilian Amenities as well, for the Boat Crews to relax between Rotations, if they don't go to the Mainland.
ARCTIC STATION: 2 week rotation with Bases/Mainland, transport dependent.
In addition to the Station Camp and it's daily personnel :
- 6 x CB-90-class Fast Patrol Craft per station. Built under contract in Canada for our intended uses.
- I suggest that each Boat carry a SkiDoo on the fore-deck (under a tarp/hard cover???) as these boats can go right up to shore and drop a ramp to offload soldiers/snowmobiles!
- I suggest that each Boat carry a RIB or powered Inflatable Assault Boat off back fantail.
- Boats should be reinforced and kitted for Ice Operations into the Fall and Spring.
- Boats can carry 21 fully kitted out troops, so a lot of storage space is available below decks for 24/7 operations.
- Suggest extra-large "patrol" tanks to double current ranges.
- Suggest Canada keep the dual .50cal guns mounted forward of the Bridge. A good look goes a Looooong way, if ya know what I mean. Just watch out for fish with a half-inch diameter hole through the body - if you can find the rest of the body...tells you crew has been doing some "target practice".
- What would be awesome is if each base also had a Hovercraft such as the Vancouver Island Coast Guard has, for when onshore travel is required, and snowmobiles won't cut it. Or perhaps sign one out from one of the bases - but how to get them to the Stations? Long freekin' trips to the two remote Stations, for sure! Perhaps they are too far out?
Annex C
Base and Station Map of Canada's Arctic Regions and the Northwest Passages
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