Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ville de Québec departed Halifax, Canada on September 6, for a two- week tour of Canadian port cities along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.
HMCS Ville de Québec is scheduled to visit Montreal, Toronto, Brockville and Quebec City.
The RCN said the purpose of the Great Lakes deployment is to connect with Canadians who are not regularly exposed to the Royal Canadian Navy.
Through activities such as guided ship tours and demonstrations, the deployment aims to better inform Canadians about their Navy and its various roles, which include: protecting Canada by exercising sovereignty in our nation’s waters, preventing conflict by deploying around the world to strengthen partnerships, and safeguarding international maritime peace and security upon which the Canadian and global economies both depend.
Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd , Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, said: “The Royal Canadian Navy understands the need to reach out to as many Canadians as possible. Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships’ visits throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway provide a tremendous opportunity to connect with the Canadian public and demonstrate the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy and the commitment and dedication of its personnel.”
HMCS Ville de Québec is a Halifax-class frigate which commenced its mid-life refit as part of the frigate life extension program at Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax in October 2014. Ville de Québec completed the upgrade in December 2015.