My name is Master Seaman Sherri Jones and I'm currently deployed onboard HMCS Ottawa in the Persian Gulf on Operation Altair. Op Altair is Canada's Maritime Contribution to the Campaign Against the Threat of Terrorism, known as Operation Enduring Freedom. HMCS Ottawa set sail from Esquimalt, BC on 10 Sep 2006 and is scheduled to return mid Mar 2007.
Seems no matter where life takes you, you'll end up running into a fine bunch of folks from home! As you can clearly see in the photo below we've got a fantastic crew of Newfoundlanders and Labrodorians sailing onboard HMCS Ottawa. Spending Christmas away from our loved ones was difficult but made a little easier by the fine folks from various communities and businesses of Newfoundland who donated numerous items which were in turn packaged by wonderful volunteers and employees of 9 Wing Gander and shipped to HMCS Ottawa. We were the lucky recipients of Purity products, candies, homebaked fruit cakes and of course The Downhome magazine!
On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians embarked onboard HMCS Ottawa we thank everyone for their continued support, love and prayers! Your dedication to the morale and welfare of troops deployed overseas is outstanding and is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,

Sherri Jones
MS
CDSE Watch Leader
HMCS Ottawa


Front Row: PO1 Madonna Normann (Dunville, Placentia Bay), LS Andy O'Brien (Cape Broyle), Sgt Jerry Snook (Lourdes), MS Sherri Jones (Corner Brook), LS Stan Budden (St. John's), LS Joyce Colombe (St. George's)


Back Row: MCpl Kenneth Piercey (St. Anthony), CPO2 Guy LeDrew (Woodstock), MCpl Ernie Payne (Pilley's Island), LS Andy Pearcey (Labrador City), MS Stewart Kendall (Ramea), LS Rick Blanchard (St. George's), MS Chesley Hutchings (Stephenville) and MS Jeff Carter (Wabush)