AGRIS Co-operative sails aboard a Canadian Navy frigate

On Sept. 11, a group of 21 AGRIS Co-operative sales representatives and guests boarded the HMCS Ville de Quebec Canadian Navy frigate that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1993.

The experience was made possible by AGRIS Co-operative agronomy specialist Chuck Belanger who has been with AGRIS for six years but also boasts an extraordinary past career as a Petty Officer (2nd Class) with the Canadian Forces.

It was through Belanger’s reconnection with an old navy buddy, Mario Couture, the ship’s underwater warfare director that allowed him to construct his idea of introducing the AGRIS Co-operative sales team to this unique experience.

“This is not your ordinary venue for a team-building exercise,” says Belanger. “But what better place to observe and learn first hand about exceptional leadership, teamwork and communication skills than on board the pride of the Canadian Navy.”

Camaraderie, team work and a sense of family is how Chuck Belanger describes his experience with the Canadian Navy. He was raised on a cash crop farm near Pain Court, Ontario and at the young age of 17, decided to explore a bigger world by joining the Canadian Navy. He spent the next ten years of his life devoted to his ships and his country.

During his navy career, he was on board HMCS Skeena, HMCS Algonquin, CFS Shelburne and was involved in missions that involved NATO task forces, coastal and Cold War deployments. After 9 years, Belanger was promoted to Petty Officer (2nd Class) and led an 11-man team of seamen. Being a family man, he later decided to leave the navy and devote more time to his other family at home.

“Through generous contacts Belanger has with his former shipmates serving aboard the HMCS Ville de Quebec, we were able to be a part of a very special journey that allowed AGRIS staff to observe the skills demonstrated by the crew and take these lessons back to the co-operative enhancing our ability to work with our farm-customers,” says David Malott, president of AGRIS Co-op.

“The captain and crew on board the Ville de Quebec were outstanding,” says Belanger. They spoke about the day-to-day operations with an open and honest approach. Their sense of pride and fulfillment was apparent throughout the day making me feel like I was right back at sea and it gave the group an intimate perspective of what navy life is like.”

Travelling from Sarnia to Windsor, Ontario, the day consisted of many informative tours throughout the ship, networking with the crew and a bbq lunch on deck.

Just after 11 am, a tribute was performed with a commemorative 11 round gun-fire salute to honour those who have suffered or lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The ceremonial blasts were heard for miles as the HMCS Ville de Quebec travelled down the St. Clair River and approached the monumental Bluewater Bridge that links Michigan and Ontario. Hundreds of supporters gathered along the shores of the riverbank to cheer and share a moment of silence. Transport trucks lined the bridge above, sounding their horns in a way that seemed to harmonize with the voices of the enthusiastic crowds on shore. One crewman commented as he looked out at a crowd of young primary school children cheering on shore that this public relations mission has been a very heartwarming and gratifying journey.

The Ville de Quebec departed from Halifax on August 26 on the 2009 Great Lakes Deployment for a month-long, 11-city tour along Quebec and Ontario shorelines to raise the Canadian Force’s profile and highlight the ship’s national and international contributions, with a focus on bolstering Navy recruitment. “Even from a distance on shore, six miles out in Lake Huron, the HMCS Ville de Quebec-FFH 332 looks intimidating and impressive,” says Terry Stevenson, AGRIS Co-operative communication manager. A Halifax-class frigate, the Ville de Quebec, measuring 134.2 metres in length, a range of 9,500 nautical miles and a regular crew of 228, she is heavily-armed with sophisticated radar controlled weapon systems, equipment and technology. Her most recent mission involved protecting food supply ships from pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Just before docking in Windsor, AGRIS Co-operative showed their gratitude for the day by presenting the Captain and Coxswain of the ship with a plaque. During this brief presentation, Belanger commented half jokingly by saying, I am thinking of re-enlisting!

From R-L
Chuck Belanger, AGRIS Co-operative agronomy specialist, presents a gift to the Ville de Quebec Captain Luc Cassava and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Keith Davidson along with David Malott, AGRIS Co-operative president and Larry Pajot, vice-president.