HMCS Vancouver misses out on 30th birthday
September 05, 2023 - Defence Stories
By Capt Véronique Sabourin, Public Affairs Officer
Caption
His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver celebrates its 30th birthday at sea, from the left, Coxswain, Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO 1) Derek Dawson, Commanding Officer, Commander Meghan Coates and Executive Officer, Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) Jordan Thwaites stand together for the cake cutting celebration on 22 August 2023, in the Pacific Ocean.
Photo credit: Corporal Alisa Strelley, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.
The ship's company went to bed on August 22nd, 2023 and woke up on August 24th, 2023 as His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver crossed the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean on the ship's birthday. What are the odds?
Thirty years ago on August 23, 1993, HMCS Vancouver was commissioned at Canada Place in the Port of Vancouver. The commissioning of HMCS Vancouver not only marked the beginning of the revitalization of the Pacific Fleet, but also the re-establishment of naval ties with Canada's third largest and fastest growing city. The city of Vancouver has a rich maritime history which includes extensive ties with the navy. The commissioning of HMCS Vancouver provided the ideal venue to reaffirm and enhance this relationship which continues today as the ship carries the name of the city worldwide.
HMCS Vancouver represents the culmination of hard work and determined efforts by many people. Throughout service, the ship has been on exciting voyage of discovery, adventure and service. Today, HMCS Vancouver continues to serve Canada in our territorial waters and around the world.
May you always be Ever on Guard.
Quotes from 1993
“I am confident that HMCS Vancouver will not only provide Canada with a period of distinguished naval service, but will also bring pride to the city after which the ship is named”.
“To the ship’s company of HMCS Vancouver falls the honour and responsibility of ensuring that the ship fulfills the high expectations placed upon this class of warship. It is a task of enormous proportions that will demand the utmost in dedication and determination, but undoubtedly will be remembered as one of the most rewarding times during your service in Canada’s Navy”.
“As captain of HMCS Vancouver, I accept the challenge given to the ship and crew. We are extremely proud of our ship, well trained in our jobs and eager to set the highest of standards which will keep our successors and HMCS Vancouver, Ever on Guard.”