News: 2002-2003

(April 5, 2002)
What do Canadian Olympic Gold Medallists, Jamie Salé and David Pelletier do to relax after their Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympic experience? Go to Hawaii for some fun in the sun! While on vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jamie Salé and David Pelletier visited the Arizona Memorial Park, near the United States Naval Station Pearl Harbour on March 29. While touring the park, they spotted a Canadian Flag flying in the Naval Station. Upon further investigation they discovered the flag belonged to the Esquimalt-based destroyer and Pacific Fleet Flagship, HMCS ALGONQUIN. The ship was berthed at the Naval Station for a short fuelling stop en route to the operational theatre for OP APOLLO.

The couple was very excited about seeing a piece of Canada so far from home. Salé and Pelletier immediately sought out the main gate in hopes of getting a closer look at the ship and were soon escorted to HMCS ALGONQUIN.

Once on board, Salé and Pelletier were greeted by the ship's Executive Officer, Lt.-Cmdr. Doug Young and the Coxswain, Chief Petty Officer Steve Hutchings. As the couple toured the ship, many members of the ship's company approached them to pass on congratulations and support for their Olympic gold medal. The couple always had smiles on their faces and took the time to pose for countless photographs with the ship's company. They were impressed with the size and complexity of HMCS ALGONQUIN and the depth of knowledge that all the sailors possessed. In turn, the crew was impressed with the couple's down to earth attitude and all who met them noted that Jamie Salé and David Pelletier were true ambassadors of Canada.

Both Salé and Pelletier repeatedly stated that seeing the ship en route to the Arabian Gulf as part of the Canadian contribution to the war on terrorism made them feel very proud to be Canadian. Pelletier has close ties with the military as his brother is currently serving in Bosnia-Herzegovina with the Army of the Canadian Forces. In visiting the ship, Pelletier said it hit home for him about what Canada is doing on the world stage.

Salé and Pelletier were made honourary members of HMCS ALGONQUIN's ship's company. They were "issued" ship's golf shirts, ball caps and with an invitation to return at any time. As they left to continue their vacation, they wished HMCS ALGONQUIN a safe journey and speedy return. As HMCS ALGONQUIN departed Pearl Harbour for Operation APOLLO, the ship's company felt proud to have met the famous pair and were grateful for their support.