What's a Navy Diver doing in Afghanistan

Bomb clearers honoured

OTTAWA — Navy divers who dismantle roadside bombs and booby traps in Afghanistan have been honoured as a group.

The Navy League of Canada presented four veterans of the war with the maritime organization’s J.J. Kinley Award on Friday, which recognizes individuals and groups who make remarkable contributions.

The four divers — Lt.-Cmdr. Roland Leyte, Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Walsh, Petty Officer 2nd Class Dave Poole and Master Seaman Kevin March — have served at various times in Kandahar over the last two years.

The award recognizes all explosive clearance divers.

Ken Bowring, a spokesman for the league, said the navy’s contribution to the war sometimes gets lost and it was important to recognize the roughly 30 fleet divers who have served — or will be serving — in the war-torn region.

BZ

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