Royal Canadian Navy celebrates Canada Day by welcoming Canadians to visit ships

With Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa currently in South Korea, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors will be amongst the first Canadians to celebrate Canada Day 150 on Canadian sovereign soil: the decks of their ships.

However, these sailors won’t be the only RCN members to significantly commemorate this important milestone in Canadian history.

“This year, Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and indeed around the world, will celebrate the sesquicentennial of this great country of ours. I am extremely proud of the men and women of your Royal Canadian Navy who are spending this important anniversary serving Canada aboard our ships at home and abroad.

Today, RCN ships are deployed around the world, including HMCS St. John’s with our NATO Allies in the North Atlantic, HMC Ships Winnipeg and Ottawa in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, and the many ships visiting ports here in Canada. I invite all Canadians to take the opportunity to visit our exceptionally capable ships and to speak with our extraordinarily professional sailors to hear how proud they are to serve Canada at sea,” said VAdm. Ron Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.

RCN vessels and fleets from across the country plan on visiting several coastal and inland communities throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and British Columbia, allowing all Canadians the chance to meet their Navy and explore the RCN’s ships.

“The sailors and defence employees who serve in the warships and shore establishments of Maritime Forces Atlantic hoist our national flag just a bit higher on this glorious Canada 150 day. We are thrilled to carry on the traditions of excellence at sea, at home, and internationally. We salute the Royal Canadian Navy veterans who made this navy great, and we hold out our hand to all Canadians with the pledge to do our part making the navy a more inclusive and diverse force, representative of all Canadians wherever we deploy. Happy Canada Day,” said RAdm. John Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic.

FIND OUT MORE ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE THIS CANADA DAY IN CAF COMMUNITIES 

Ships marking Canada’s 150th anniversary include:

HMCS Moncton, a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel: This ship will be visiting Shediac, NB for Canada Day weekend. The ship will be open public tours from June 30th to July 2nd, 2017, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

HMCS Charlottetown, a newly modernized Canadian Patrol Frigate: This ship will be visiting Charlottetown, PEI and will be open for public tours on June 30th between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., July 1st between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and July 2nd between 10:a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

HMCS Regina, A Canadian Patrol Frigate: This ship will be visiting Vancouver and will be open for public tours from July 1st to 3rd, 2017, between 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

HMCS Nanaimo, a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel: This ship will be visiting Nanaimo, BC and will be open for public tours between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

HMCS Edmonton, a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel: This ship will visit Port Alberni and will be open for public tours between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

HMCS Toronto, a Canadian Patrol Frigate: This ship will visit Toronto, ON for Canada Day 150 as a part of the 2017 Great Lakes Deployment. The ship will be open for public tours between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

HMCS St John’s: This ship will be marking Canada 150 abroad as it is currently deployed on Operation REASSURANCE in support of NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures promoting security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

In addition, the 24 Naval Reserve Divisions located across the country will participate in Canada Day 150 celebrations in their local communities.

“Canada Day is a wonderful opportunity for the public to meet members of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Armed Forces and learn about the important work they do on behalf of all Canadians at home and around the world. During Canada’s sesquicentennial, we must not forget our sailors, soldiers, and airmen and women who are away from their families and friends on overseas operations, deployments, and exercises. They continue the important job of keeping Canadians safe while proudly and honourably representing our country and the very values and fundamentals on which it is built. Happy birthday, Canada,” said RAdm. Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific.