"Once you become a commanding officer, expect the un-expectable!", whoever came up with this advice could never had imagined what Maj Rick Dunning, from the CFFM’s office, would experience while in command of the Canadian Forces Station Alert, NU, this past summer.
"Thinking that I had all the power of the Captain of a ship two employees, who had dated for over 14 years, asked me if I would marry them in Alert", said Maj Dunning.
"I may have been in the CAF for many years, but believe me, I never saw that one coming." I told them I would, but I had to get some advice from the padres down south beforehand, and I also needed authority from the Government of Nunavut. Once this was all received they picked a date for the wedding. Everyone at the Station did there little part to make this event, dubbed Op NORTHERN HITCH, an unforgettable success.
On July 19, with a temperature close to 0 degree, most of the individuals working at the Station headed for the hill top site which the bride and the groom had picked. There Maj Dunning officiated the ceremony. This was the second time a wedding was celebrated at this remote location, but the first time it was done by its commanding officer.
The next time you meet with Maj Dunning, do not hesitate calling him: Padre Dunning. No doubt he will be able to give you good advice on officiating weddings in the High Arctic.