Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Oriole departed Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt today for Rendez-vous 2017, a Tall Ships Regatta taking place throughout Quebec and Atlantic Canada to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.

“The men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy are the foundation of its service and are among the most professional, highly educated, and highly trained sailors in the world. I know every member onboard HMCS Oriole will be excellent ambassadors for the Royal Canadian Navy during this deployment. They will maintain the highest standard at sea and ashore, while showcasing their skills and attributes to the public at home and abroad.”

-Rear-Admiral Art McDonald, Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific

“I am honoured to be sailing with such a professional and dedicated crew. We have been training and preparing for this deployment for many months and I know the crew and I are excited about reaching out to Canadians and our partner nations over the next several months.  We couldn’t achieve this without the continued support of our families, friends, and colleagues back home.”

-Lieutenant-Commander Mike Willis, Commanding Officer, HMCS Oriole

• HMCS Oriole will spend more than three months in transit, conducting 12 ports visits in seven countries before participating in Rendez-vous 2017 from June 30 to August 20.

• This will mark the first time that HMCS Oriole will be returning to the East Coast since she last participated in a Quebec Tall Ships festival in 1984.

• After Rendez-vous 2017, HMCS Oriole is scheduled for a maintenance refit in Halifax, which will include general maintenance and upgrades to its electrical system. Upon completion, it will return to Esquimalt in the spring of 2018.

• The mission of the Royal Canadian Navy is to generate combat-capable, multipurpose maritime forces that support Canada’s efforts to participate in security operations anywhere in the world, as part of an integrated Canadian Armed Forces.

Associated Links

• Rendez-vous 2017
• Royal Canadian Navy

Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-5789
Email: ESQPACIFICNAVYPUBLICAFFAIRS@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca