HMCS Preserver payed off after 46 years of dedicated service
News Release
October 21, 2016 – Halifax N.S. – National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Preserver concluded its service to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) today and was payed off, receiving a final salute from current and former sailors, soldiers, airmen, and airwomen during a ceremony at HMC Dockyard Halifax.
The paying-off ceremony signals the end of the Auxiliary Oilier Replenishment (AOR) Ship’s distinguished service to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The RCN’s replenishment ship requirements are being addressed through Mutual Logistics Support Arrangements (MLSA) between Canada, Spain, and Chile.
Quotes
“HMCS Preserver has served the Royal Canadian Navy with great distinction. On every voyage, Preserver contributed to the Navy’s reputation for operational excellence.
The ship and its design elements set the standard in modern navies for safe and expedient replenishment at sea. This essential but inherently difficult and dangerous task was executed by Preserver, and sister ship Protecteur, for 46 years in the North Atlantic, across the wide Pacific, and well into Canada’s Arctic waters.
Thousands of sailors and aviators brought to life the Preserver’s motto, “Heart of the Fleet.” It is a badge of honour to have served aboard Preserver, as the ship was frequently called upon to support naval Task Groups dispatched on short notice to serve our national interests in crisis response and conflict.
Today, we honour and pay tribute to that history of service while looking ahead to our future with optimism and anticipation.
With our fleet of modernized frigates, submarines, and patrol ships; and Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, Joint Support Ships, and Canadian Surface Combatants on the horizon; the legacy of HMCS Preserver will be well-served.”
Rear Admiral J. Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic
“HMCS Preserver has provided more than four decades of valuable refuelling and supply capabilities to the Royal Canadian Navy and has helped the fleet to defend our coastlines, respond to the calls of our allies, and make the world a safer place. Preserver’s crews served the Navy with distinction. While the role this ship has played in naval operations has come to an end, the Royal Canadian Navy’s mission carries on. RCN ships are operating around the world, from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, supporting a range of international operations
Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
Quick Facts
- The term “paying off” refers to the British age-of-sail practice of paying a crew their wages once a ship has completed its voyage. In the RCN, the tradition continues with the term paying off referring to the formal ceremony where the naval jack, ensign, and commissioning pennant are hauled down, the crew departs a ship for the last time, and the ship is then no longer referred to as HMCS.
- HMCS Preserver has participated in numerous missions and operations, including the United Nations peacekeeping effort in Cyprus and the enforcing of sanctions on the former Yugoslavia, as well as Operations DELIVERANCE, APOLLO, and CARIBBE, among others.
- Over the course of HMCS Preserver’s 46 years of service, it is estimated that more than 8,000 sailors have been part of its crew.
- Over the course of its lifespan, Preserver has used/delivered over 800,000,000 litres of fuel since commissioning or 800,000 m3. This is equal to filling up a standard car 13.5 million times.
- HMCS Preserver is 546 feet long, 76 feet wide, and displaces 22,100 tons. Engine power is 21,000 SHP and the maximum speed is 20 knots. It normally has a complement of 270 officers and non-commissioned members.
- “Smart scheduling” and mutual logistics support arrangements (MLSAs) with Spain and Chile will continue to provide limited relief to the capability gap currently facing the RCN. The Spanish replenishment ship ESPS Patino is currently supporting the Atlantic Fleet.
- The disposal method for HMCS Preserver will be determined in due course, with careful attention paid to environmental, safety, and financial considerations. Disposal options include selling or donating the vessel, or dismantling it for scrap material.
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Contacts
Captain Marc Greatti
MARLANT Public Affairs
(902) 427-1400
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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