Allen, Robin W.: my naval experiences (November 13, 2006)
Interviewer: Perry, Marie
An interview/narrative of Captain Robin Allen's experiences whilst serving with the Unified Task Force in Somalia. Interview took place on November 13, 2006.
Rank: Captain.
ABSTRACT: Captain Robin Allen Captian Allen Interview.mp3 (0:00) Educated in UBC with a degree in electrical engineering. Training involved all aspects of becoming a Naval officer; take charge of warship, and safely manage operations in ship. No specific training for Somalia. Masters in electrical engineering at Royal Military College. (3:14) The Navy has certain capabilities with respect to upper levels of warfare and highly trained technicians. Inherent in a ship is a carrying capability, with the Preserver capable of carrying 600 tonnes in equipment and supplies to support the Army. Other capabilities are sophisticated communication, helicopters, and medical unit. (10:00) Medical side of ship establishes a relationship with hospital. Describes jobs of dentists, doctor and engineers. (15:30) Sept. 2 ordered to prepare to leave. The original mission in Somalia was to support the 'Battle Group' going to Bossasso as part of the UN operation for humanitarian relief. UN dilly-dally until Nov. when The Preserver departs. 5 Dec. mission cancelled to wait for further orders. Become part of enduring Task Force for 'Operation Cordon' (20:00) 10 Dec Preserver arrives in Mombassa. Joint HQ Staff stuck in Ottawa due to snow. Americans take over Mogadishu airport. Dec. 15 Joint HQ Staff arrives and Preserver becomes HQ, which means it now supported 1,300 soldiers over its original crew of 550. (29:50) Preserver was only ship that could play HQ. It has more space and capabilities than other Naval ships. Potentially this will start ball rolling for next generation replacement ship for these operations. Original purpose of Preserver only to maintain Naval fleets offshore for several days. Explains how Preserver was re-supplied for the purpose of supporting the Army (34:20) Environment not entirely benign, but it was unpredictable. Example of Red Cross supply ship. Canada was the only Navy to land ashore. Up to 30 people a day helped with the hospital and packing Hercs. (37:00) If coalitions didn't threaten warlords there was no interaction. Different in countryside where purpose was to keep militia out of operation so as to distribute aid. (39:00) Discusses the 'failure' in Mogadishu, claiming it depends on who says it's a failure. NGOs needed help. Canadians established hospital, schools, and policemen. Canadians know nothing about Somalia. Members of Parliament thought the Canadian Forces were peacekeeping. (44:13) Morale of sailor was incredible. Sailors never trained for this type of operation, yet they worked around the clock. Came up with many innovations: "Can-do Canada." (56:54) Sophisticated communication equipment to talk to National Defense HQ securely and other ships. Complications with Atlantic and Pacific crypto. Communicate with DND through Coalition HQ in area and family for 5 minutes a week by satellite phone. (1:6:00) Takes pride in Canadian soldiers who went ashore to help out. Not shackled by dogma. (1:08:56) 32 NGOs gave the Preserver a standing ovation, in Washington the Preserver was singled out, and Captain Allen received the Meritorious Service Cross for his efforts. But everyone was part of the effort. (1:14:00) Somalia was the most rewarding experience in career. Final comments include that Canadian should have known more about operations in Somalia. Relates Somalia to Afghanistan. (1:19:34)
Interviewee: Allen, Robin W.
- In Collection:
- 1 sound recording (MP3)
- 33, 66
- 2.03711, 45.34375
- Original recording (MP3) on compact disc (CD) in Special Collections.
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- ARW_498
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://uvic2.coppul.archivematica.org/military-oral-history-collection
- November 13, 2006
- Digital sound recording in .mp3 format at 112 kbps and 44 kHz. Digitized by interviewer, technical and cataloguing metadata provided by JF and JP. Interview recorded in digital format for UVic Special Collections in 2006. Migration metadata by KD and MT.
- Rights
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- DOI
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