More unique than a "cruise" ship

[Jeffy Boy]

I just returned from a two day conference held at CFB Esquimalt, where we were hosted in style by the Canadian Navy. The dining highlight for me was the welcoming reception held Thursday evening aboard HMCS Regina, one of Canada's frigates, which is currently tied up in harbour undergoing some routine maintenance. After being piped aboard, we were escorted to the aft helicopter deck, which was laid out with a beautiful buffet table, a couple of strategically placed bars, and entertainment courtesy of a quartet from the Navy's Pacific band.

The buffet table was graced with poached salmon, freshly shucked oysters, smoked salmon and tuna, chilled scallops and mussels. Delicious! Having started the night with a couple of cold beers, I was soon off to the "heads", which on a frigate are unfortunately located down a steep, narrow hatchway. I still consider myself to be pretty mobile, but after that point I decided it would be best to switch to drinks with a little less "liquid". Bushmill's, neat. Holy crap - the Navy's idea of a "serving" of whisky is like that of a frat house! Finished the evening with some very enjoyable conversation under the setting sun, chatting up the assorted dignitaries, admirals and academics. My compliments and thanks to Canada's Navy!

[Andrew Morrison]

Glad to know our tax dollars are hard at work protecting our shores.

Personally, I'd never go fighting at sea without the promise of mignonette.

[Jeffy Boy]

Glad to know our tax dollars are hard at work protecting our shores. 

Personally, I'd never go fighting at sea without the promise of mignonette.

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I'm pretty sure the food & drink costs were covered by the attendance fees to the conference, though I guess the "venue" was free. They say an army marches on its stomach, so I suppose a navy sails on it.

[Keith Talent]

Only the Canadian Navy would name a ship after a city 2000 miles away from the nearest ocean.

[Keith Talent]

And did Paul Martin appear in an uncomfortably snug flight suit behind a banner reading "Mission Accomplished"? That would have been excellent.

[chromedome]

Only the Canadian Navy would name a ship after a city 2000 miles away from the nearest ocean.

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Being an east-coast navy brat, I just about bust a gut laughing the first time I saw Sea Cadets in Regina.

One of my cooking school instructors had spent 30 years in the Forces, including some shipboard time. Whenever they had a draught of newly-minted officers on board for their first cruise, he'd always make sure to do a special breakfast for their first morning at sea...kippers stewed in milk. Apparently there was quite a stampede to the heads!