I received the attached article and photo from our deployed Canadian Forces in Italy, supporting Operation MOBILE. Operation MOBILE is the Canadian Forces' participation in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, the NATO-led effort, as authorized in U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 to impose upon Libya an arms embargo, a no-fly zone and to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas in Libya.

Chief Warrant Officer Daphne Germain is a native of Chance Cove and has progressed in her career to the highest rank a non-commissioned officer can achieve.

As the senior non-commissioned officer deployed on Op MOBILE, CWO Daphne Germain provides mentorship and guidance to Canadian Forces in Italy.

Chief Warrant Officer Daphne Germain
Capt. Marie-France Poulin
Task Force Libeccio
Public Affaires officer

Naples Italy - A little more than a month ago, (CWO) Daphne Germain arrived in Naples, Italy, posted to the Task Force Libeccio Joint Force Headquarters. She became the new Task Force Chief Warrant Officer and joined the team of 650 Canadian Forces (CF) members currently deployed in Italy as part of Op MOBILE, the Canadians Forces contribution to the NATO operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR in Libya.
Currently posted in North Bay as 22 Wing Chief Warrant Officer, CWO Germain was excited when she was told she would be deployed to Italy. “This is why I wear the uniform. I was very proud to be selected and have the opportunity to represent all the fine airmen, air women, soldiers and sailors that occupy the geographical confines of all the detachments” she said.

This operational deployment was not her first. In the late 90’s, CWO Germain was deployed to Golan Heights and had the opportunity to visit CF members in Afghanistan this past February. “As a CWO in the Canadian Forces it doesn’t matter where we go, what matters is what we do. We are entrusted with the morale and welfare of our people. We have to ensure that they are well equipped, well versed and remain focused on the mission. We can not be successful in any mission if our troops are not well taken care of.”

Being a female CWO in the Canadians Force is an example of how women can be successful in any profession they choose. There are not many female CWOs in the CF, and those who have reached this point in their career are great examples of the passion and determination of these women. CWO Germain takes every opportunity to use her experience to mentor other female members. “I have had many firsts in my career and hope to continue to pave the way for many more of the bright and highly capable women that are coming up though the ranks.”

CWO Daphne Germain is a native of Chance Cove, N.L. She joined the Canadian Forces in 1980 as an Air Force supply technician. In 1985, she was posted to Lahr, Germany, and it was during this time she participated for the first time in the Nijmegen March with the first all-Canadian female team. She has also enjoyed postings to Victoria, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Toronto.

Operation MOBILE is the Canadian Forces’ participation in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, the NATO-led effort, as authorized in U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973 to impose upon Libya an arms embargo, a no-fly zone and to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas in Libya.

Task Force Libeccio is the Air Component of Operation MOBILE and it is composed of the Task Force Headquarters (based in Naples, Italy), the Air Coordination Element (based in Poggio-Renatico, Italy) and the Sicily Air Wing (based out of two locations in Sicily, Italy). There are approximately 400 personnel deployed in Italy as part of Task Force Libeccio.

Photo Caption: CWO Daphne Germain poses for a photo in Naples, Italy. She is the senior non-commissioned officer deployed on Operation MOBILE and acts as the Task Force Libeccio CWO, mentoring and guiding other CF members deployed.
Photo: Capitaine M-F.Poulin, TF LIB PAO
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