BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012
LCdr Mark Van Den Bossche - President
Dr. Michael Hoare - Past-President
Keith Roden - Secretary
Chris Cleary - Treasurer
Rob Fraleigh - Director
Kim Little - Director
Dr. Kelly Jones- Director
Bob Cornfoot - Director
Les Pressey - Director
Allan Hick - Auditor
WHO WE ARE
The Naval Officers' Association of Canada is a national organization dedicated to promoting public awareness of the maritime dimension of Canada as a nation with vital interests in three oceans - Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. There are 15 other branches across Canada and with an additional branch in Brussels, Belgium. NOAC was founded at the end of WWII by returning Voluntary Reservists (RCNVR's) to maintain friendships which service at war had fostered and to promote a strong and modern Naval Service.
In 1950 the National Association was incorporated under Letters Patent issued by the Secretary of State for Canada with a set of objectives which include the following:
- To promote and maintain interest in naval affairs generally and particularly in the welfare and development of the Canadian Naval Forces;
- To cooperate with other organizations having objectives wholly or in part the same as or similar to the objects of NOAC.
The London Branch membership is comprised of those who are serving and former commissioned naval officers from the Regular Force and the Naval Reserve together with other naval veterans who have an interest in maritime matters and support our objectives.
Regular membership is open to serving and retired officers of the regular and reserve components of the Canadian Navy, merchant service officers, as well as officers of the Commonwealth and foreign navies. This includes officers who have a maritime air background. Associate Membership is open to any person who shares the aims and objectives of the Association.
WHAT WE DO
The London branch of NOAC meets at the Wardroom, HMCS PREVOST, at 1900 on the second Wednesday of September, November, February and April. Our Annual General Meeting is held in May. The format for meetings involves a business portion followed by a guest speaker or video presentation, including discussion. A light snack and a hot beverage is provided. Upon conclusion of the meeting the Wardroom bar is available to members.
Other events include a Christmas Social and Dinner in early December, participation in Remembrance Day services in London and Port Stanley, attendance at HMCS PREVOSTS's Award Night and Banyan in April, participation in the RCNA Battle of Atlantic Dinner and attendance at the Battle of Atlantic Parade and Reception held at HMCS PREVOST. Additional events occur from time to time.
We provide support to London's Naval Reserve Division, HMCS PREVOST, in addition to organizations which perpetuate maritime services in Canada, specifically the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (COURAGEOUS) and Navy League Cadets (GLORIOUS).
We encourage activities intended to make the public and all levels of government better informed of the vital need for maritime security.
We actively support the preservation of Canada's Maritime History for HMCS Sackville, HMCS Haida and Fairmile Q105. The Branch has recently completed its update of the history of HMCS PREVOST.
HOW TO CONTACT US
For information on meetings, membership, etc. please contact either the President or Secretary as follows:
Dr. Michael Hoare , President - drmh@hay.net
Keith Roden, Secretary - keith.roden@sympatico.ca
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