The Canadian Consul General to Seattle Denis Stevens visited NAS Whidbey Island Jan. 28 for a tour of Naval Ocean Processing Facility Whidbey Island (NOPFWI). Stevens met with the Canadian and American leadership at this bi-national command, and had the opportunity to speak with several of the 37 Canadian Forces Sailors. He also had the opportunity to attend the graduation of the first Advanced Acoustic Analysis Course (AAAC) taught at NOPF Whidbey Island.

The AAAC, an intense three-week course, focuses on detailed acoustic analysis, passive acoustic listening, education on acoustic sources and Acoustic Intelligence (ACINT) trends. The course is taught by Canadian instructors from Esquimalt, British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Canadian and Allied military sailors, and is one of the best courses of its kind in the world.

In the past, U.S. Sailors from NOPF Whidbey Island had to travel to Canada for the training. Bringing the instructors down to the U.S., not only resulted in a significant cost savings for the U.S. Navy, but it also allowed for more students to be loaded on the course than in the past.

During the graduation ceremony, Stevens stressed that a United States-Canadian partnership is important to both countries. He reminded those attending that the Western way of life is under threat and that a “relationship of security” between the two countries needs to continue.

“It was a rewarding experience coming down [to Whidbey Island] to teach this course,” remarked Petty Officer Second Class (E7 equivalent) Greg Flemming from Halifax.  Flemming was one of the three instructors, along with Air Force Capt. Corey Taylor, also from Halifax, and PO2 Nichola Hadwell from Esquimalt.

Overall, the 12 U.S. Navy Sailors graduating also found the experience rewarding.  “Hands down one of the best courses I’ve attended since joining the Navy,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Kenneth Rogers.

A reception was also held for the Consul General and the graduating students. Afterward, Stevens was given a presentation on the work of NOPF Whidbey Island along with a short tour of the facility. As the Consul General for Canada he was keenly interested in the size and integrated nature of the Canadian Forces contingent, and made sure to mention that he would be raising greater awareness of this contribution upon his return to Seattle.